Three-dimensional, prevascularized, engineered tissue constructs, methods of making and methods of using the tissue constructs

摘要

Three-dimensional (3D), prevascularized, engineered tissue constructs, 3D prevascularized engineered tissue models of cancer, and bioreactors and bioreactor arrays including the tissue constructs are disclosed. Methods of making the tissue constructs, methods of using the tissue constructs, methods of drug discovery using the tissue constructs and/or cancer models, and the like are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method of screening a test compound comprising:
providing a three-dimensional (3D), engineered, vascularized tissue construct comprising:
a 3D, biocompatible scaffold material comprising a solid, porous material and a gel matrix material, wherein the solid, porous material is chosen from the group consisting of: aerogels, reticulate vitreous carbon, and particle stabilized foam, and wherein the gel matrix material is chosen from the group consisting of: synthetic hydrogels, naturally-derived hydrogels, and a combination thereof;a 3D network of living cells of a tissue of interest within the scaffold material;a plurality of microchannels extending through the construct, such that a substantial portion of the channels have an inlet at one surface of the construct and an outlet at an opposing surface of the construct, wherein the channels form lumen for allowing passage of liquid through the construct; anda plurality of endothelial cells at least partially lining the lumen, wherein the endothelial cells result from cells seeded within the lumen of the microchannel and the 3D network of living cells in the scaffold material results from cells seeded within the scaffold material, outside the microchannels; exposing the 3D tissue construct to the test compound; and monitoring changes in the tissue construct after exposure to the test compound, wherein the changes are selected from the group consisting of histological, biochemical, and physiological changes, and a combination thereof.