Innovative 3D-Printed Device Advances Human Tissue Modeling in Scientific Research

Researchers from the University of Washington and UW Medicine have developed a groundbreaking 3D-printed device that enhances the ability to create detailed and controllable models of human tissues in laboratory settings. The innovative platform, named Suspended Tissue Open Microfluidic Patterning (STOMP), allows scientists to precisely arrange and study multiple tissue types and cellular interfaces, providing deeper insights into complex disease mechanisms. Unlike traditional tissue engineering methods, which often struggle to recreate the spatial diversity of tissues, STOMP incorporates capillary action and degradable structures to spatially organize different cell populations within a gel matrix.

This tiny device, roughly the size of a fingertip, docks onto a pre-existing two-post system designed to measure tissue contractility, and its microfluidic channels can be tailored to produce specific tissue patterns. This enables the study of phenomena such as cell behavior under mechanical stimuli, tissue interface interactions, and disease progression.

The researchers tested the device by engineering tissues that mimic the interfaces found in bones, ligaments, and fibrotic versus healthy heart tissue. For example, they demonstrated the creation of a periodontal ligament model where areas stained in red highlight the bone tissue component. The design exploits capillary action to space different cell types accurately, akin to spreading fruit evenly in Jell-O, which signifies its potential for complex tissue arrangement.

By allowing more precise control over the spatial organization of cells and tissues, STOMP is poised to accelerate research into neuromuscular disorders, tissue regeneration, and disease modeling. This development represents a significant step forward in the field of tissue engineering, offering a versatile and accessible tool for biomedical investigations.

The development was led by Professors Ashleigh Theberge and Nate Sniadecki, involving multiple interdisciplinary teams. First authors Amanda Haack and Lauren Brown showcased the device’s capability through experiments comparing healthy and diseased tissues, such as heart muscles and ligaments. They highlight how this technology builds on existing methods like casting gels, but adds the advantage of microfluidic manipulation and degradable walls that enable tissues to mature independently.

This innovative platform emphasizes simple, scalable approaches that could transform laboratory research and medical applications, ultimately aiding in the development of new treatments and understanding of human tissue responses.