Self-organized vasculogenesis in 3D printed mixed cell populations

In the process of vasculogenesis during embryotic development, endothelial cells create blood vessel networks necessary for the survival and function of tissues. In tissue engineering, creating functional vasculature remains among the largest impediments to achieving healthy tissues. Deeper understanding of cell self-organization during vasculogensis could therefore have impacts in developmental biology and tissue engineering. To fabricate 3D multicellular systems of designed consistency, we 3D print structures made from mixtures of hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix. These structures are fabricated directly in a 3D growth medium made from jammed microgels. By observing cellular spatial organization and testing biological markers, we investigate how endothelial cells and hepatocytes self-organize into co-continuous interpenetrating networks, resulting in vasculature and improved overall cellular function. Preliminary data and analysis will be presented.