journal article·2026-05Open access

Embedding Perfusable Microchannel Networks in Photoclickable Bioresins via High‐Resolution Digital Light Processing

Riccardo Rizzo, Thibault Sampon, Jackson K. Wilt, Paul P. Stankey, Jennifer A. Lewis

Advanced Materials Technologies· Volume 11· Issue 10

Abstract

ABSTRACT Light‐mediated 3D bioprinting methods hold great promise for the generation of biomimetic microvasculature networks for applications ranging from organ‐on‐chip models to vascularized tissue constructs. While printing microvascular channels (≤100 µm in diameter) within large hydrogel volumes (≥1 cm 3 ) is theoretically feasible, progress remains limited by the lack of suitable cytocompatible photoresins. Here, we report the development of an optimized photoresin based on fish gelatin and photoclick crosslinking chemistry for bioprinting perfusable, embedded microvascular networks via high‐resolution digital light processing (DLP). Specifically, our hydrogel matrix leverages the fast kinetics and negligible dark curing of thiol‐norbornene crosslinking as well as the low viscosity and thermal stability of fish gelatin. Using pulsed illumination and a biocompatible radical scavenger (DMPO), we further minimize radical diffusion‐induced blurring, enabling extended printing (>5 h). Finally, printing failures are reduced through the incorporation of a cytocompatible surfactant (Poloxamer‐188). Together, these advances open new avenues for printing perfusable biomimetic microvascular networks embedded in hydrogel matrices.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: 3D Printing in Biomedical Research · Advanced Materials and Mechanics · Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Harvard University Cambridge Massachusetts USA

Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering Harvard University Boston Massachusetts USA

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