Single Cell Microgel Based Modular Bioinks for Uncoupled Cellular Micro- and Macroenvironments

Abstract

Modular bioinks based on single cell microgels within distinct injectable prepolymers enable uncoupling of biomaterials' micro- and macroenvironments. These inks allow biofabrication of 3D constructs that recapitulate the multiscale modular design of native tissues with a single cell resolution. This approach represents a major step forward in endowing engineered constructs with the multifunctionality that underlies the behavior of native tissues.

Keywords: biofabrication; droplet microfluidics; multiscale hierarchical materials; single cell encapsulation; tissue engineering.