Engineering vascularized renal tubules for mechanistic studies
Lead: Shuvethapriya Sampathkumar
Team Members: Salman Promon, Ayesha Budhwani
Collaborator: George Tan
Project Summary:
The proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) plays a crucial role in renal physiology and is responsible for the absorption, transportation, and secretion of up to 80% of different solutes, metabolites, and water. Given the increasing prevalence of kidney disorders, there is a need for advanced diagnostic research and personalized medicine solutions. 3D bioprinting is an emerging tissue engineering technology that supports promising applications in renal research. We propose to 3D-bioprint PCT using an extrusion-based bioprinter equipped with a coaxial nozzle, to model native PCT architecture and function, facilitating disease modeling, drug screening, and regenerative medicine applications. Preliminary experiments involve optimizing bioink formulations, assessing cell viability within printed constructs, and evaluating the printed tubule’s mechanical properties and functionality.
What is already known in the field?
- 3D bioprinting enables the fabrication of complex tissue structures with spatial control.
- The PCT is highly energy-dependent and susceptible to injury, necessitating in vitro models for research.
- Extrusion-based bioprinting allows the creation of tubular structures that mimic native renal architectures.
What is new?
- We explore tomographic bioprinting and coaxial bioprinting techniques to fabricate hollow, self-supporting proximal tubules, closely mimicking native renal architecture and enhancing fluid dynamics within the constructs.
- By developing optimized bioinks, we improve cell viability and functionality within the bioprinted tubules, leading to more physiologically relevant models.
- Our approach emphasizes scalability, enabling the efficient mass production of renal tubule constructs suitable for large-scale research and potential clinical applications.
Why is this important?
- Provides an advanced platform for studying kidney diseases and injury mechanisms.
- Facilitates drug screening and testing in a controlled microenvironment.
- Paves the way for bioartificial kidney research and regenerative medicine applications.
Ongoing/future steps:
- Refining bioink compositions to improve tubular cell viability and function
- Test the excretion of glucose and urea, using bioprinted tubular constructs
- Conducting long-term cell viability studies within bioprinted constructs