Using Bioprinting Technology to Develop a 3D In Vitro Liver Model
Abstract
The field of bioprinting has great potential for developing in-house, customizable organ models that would contribute greatly to the predictive toxicology effort at U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC; Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD). This technology incorporates traditional additive manufacturing techniques with relevant living cells to create physiologically relevant structures. This project used an Allevi 1 bioprinter (Allevi; Philadelphia, PA) in the DEVCOM CBC Makerspace Laboratory that had not been used for any prior projects. As a proof of concept to initiate bioprinting efforts at DEVCOM CBC, a liver model was developed using the Allevi 1 system. The bioprinter parameters were assessed and optimized for liver cells and biosupport materials. HepG2 cells and Pluronic F-127 were combined to serve as the bio-ink for the 3D in vitro model. To ensure liver cell viability and functionality after printing, a live/dead assay and human albumin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed. Fluorescence microscopy was used to confirm the bioprinted liver cells were metabolically and structurally viable after printing. This project was the first bioprinting effort at DEVCOM CBC. This effort yielded successful results and a vast potential for future opportunity harnessing this technology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2024
- Accession Number
- AD1229376
Entities
People
- Bradley Ruprecht
- Dylan H. Fudge
- James D. Severtsen
- Priscilla E. Lee
Organizations
- United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command