In this lecture, we will discuss laser-based techniques applied for precise generation of 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering and for printing living cells and microorganisms into 3D patterns.
For the scaffold generation, two-photon polymerization (2PP) technique is applied, which allows writing CAD structures directly into the volume of photosensitive polymer solutions. Scaffolds from different biomaterials like organic-inorganic Sol-Gel-Composites (e.g., zirconium-hybrids), biodegradable polymers (e.g., polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyethylene glycol (PEG)), and hydrogels (e.g., gelatin, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, alginate, gellan gum) or hydrogel blends, have been generated with this technique. Applications of this technique for in vitro development of human iPSC-derived functional neuronal networks will be discussed.
For arranging cells in 3D patterns, laser-assisted bioprinting (LAB) based on the laserinduced forward transfer process is used. Different cell types, including primary cells, stem cells, and iPS cells embedded in hydrogels as extra-cellular matrix, have been printed. Our current progress in laser printing of microorganisms will be also discussed.
Both 2PP and LAB techniques are capable of advancing 3D cell culture towards CAD defined and precisely arranged 3D cell models and “organ-on-chip” systems. Printed tissue, for example skin, can be used for analyzing the effect of agents like pharmaceuticals or cosmetics ex vivo and, by applying human primary cells, it might be applied instead of animal tests.
Bio
Professor at the Leibniz University Hannover, Institute of Quantum Optics, Hannover, Germany
Graduated with honors and received PhD in Physics from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology in 1981. Started his scientific carrier at P.N. Lebedev Institute of Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow and later worked in many research centers worldwide. At present, he is Professor of Physics at Leibniz University Hannover, Institute of Quantum Optics and Chair of Nanoengineering.
Scientific areas: laser physics and laser applications, nanoengineering, additive manufacturing technologies, quantum and nonlinear optics, nano- and biophotonics, biomedical implants and devices, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Phone: +(49) 511 762 17771
Email: chichkov@iqo.uni-hannover.de
