Electrowetting-based multi-microfluidics array printing of high resolution tissue construct with embedded cells and growth factors

Abstract

To overcome limitations of current tissue fabrication methods, explore new biocompatible materials, and develop new biomimetic manufacturing process for soft tissue, we are developing a new technology, electrowetting-based microfluidics array printing, which will be used in a solid freeform fabrication (SFF) system to meet the challenges of high resolution manufacture of hydrogel scaffolds with dimension scale less than 10 m, cell placement, growth factor delivery, and vascularization for soft tissue engineering. Preliminary work has been done on the biomaterials research, electrowetting printing, biomimetic modeling, scaffold fabrication, and system integration and control. This research is the first application of electrowetting on dielectric to tissue engineering and dispensing hydrogels.