Title:3D Cell and Scaffold Patterning Strategies in Tissue Engineering
Volume: 6
Issue: 1
Author(s): Michael J. Sawkins, Kevin M. Shakesheff, Lawrence J. Bonassar and Glen R. Kirkham
Affiliation:
Keywords:
3D Patterning, 3D Printing, Bioplotting, Bioprinting, Cell Patterning, Fused Deposition Modelling, Fused Filament
Fabrication, Microinjection, Micromanipulation, Multiphoton Lithography, Optical Tweezers, Rapid Prototyping, Selective Laser Sintering, Solid Freeform Fabrication, Stereolithography, Tissue Engineering
Abstract: Many tissue engineering constructs comprise scaffolds with spatially homogenous properties that have uniformly
seeded populations of cells. The broadly uniform morphologies of such constructs do not reflect the complexity of
the tissues they are designed to emulate, limiting their application for future clinical goals. In order to begin to address this
limitation, a range of technologies have been developed that are better able to replicate tissue architecture. These technologies
show significant potential but are at a relatively early stage of development and a number of significant challenges
need to be overcome before such techniques can be developed into effective clinical products. This review will discuss
the basic principles of these technologies and the patterning applications that have been developed to date with reference
to the patent literature. Consideration will also be given to potential commercialisation strategies for both patterning
platforms and patterned constructs which they are used to produce.
