Microfluidic Device Manufacturing by Light-Based 3D Printing for Organoid Vascularization.

Abstract

3D printing by light-based vat polymerization enables the manufacturing of a variety of microfluidic devices which can be used to study growth, patterning, vascularization, and tissue interactions of stem cell-derived spheroids, organoids, and tissue explants. This technology allows to design and manufacture compartmentalized devices for precise seeding of cells and organoids, combined with the possibility to generate controlled media flow. Here, we detail the steps involved in the fabrication of such microfluidic devices, including the printing and post-processing stages using light-based 3D printing. We also give an example of how such a 3D printed microfluidic device can be used to culture and vascularize cerebral organoids. The use of 3D printing provides a rapid and inexpensive way to generate microfluidic devices without the need for cleanroom facilities and is therefore a technology accessible to every life science research lab. In addition, this high throughput method facilitates organoid studies in a more controlled environment, thereby representing a significant advancement in reproducibility for organoid research.