Speaker
Description
Biofabrication has revolutionized the way we design in vitro models of human physiology. Advances in 3D bioprinting, scaffold engineering, and stem cell biology have enabled the creation of increasingly sophisticated tissues. Biofabrication permits spatiotemporal control over cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix communication and thus the recreation of tissue-like structures [1,2]. Yet, construction of tissues often remains blind to their function, as it lacks real time feedback as the process itself is not monitored. This can be enabled by measurement of various process parameters which allow real time adaptation, self-monitoring and interfacing with analytical or therapeutic workflows. Sensors provide a continuous, non-destructive readout of key qualitative and quantitative parameters of tissue models [3]. Microphysiological systems (MPS) are facing similar challenges as the data generated by these models still mainly relies on end point measurements. In this talk, I will focus on examples from imec’s MPS program in how sensor embedding and real-time feedback offers multi-modal output such as electrical impedance sensing, electrical activity monitoring, metabolite sensing and protein detection in combination with novel imaging techniques. The co-integration of these sensors allows not only capturing structure of the tissues but also dynamics and heterogeneity, yielding more powerful data of the model under study. Additionally, I will outline how the sensor platform can interface with AI algorithms to automatically classify tissue states and predict responses — offering a feedback loop that is very useful for biofabrication.
[1] Moroni, L., Burdick, J.A., Highley, C. et al. Biofabrication strategies for 3D in vitro models and regenerative medicine. Nat. Rev. Mater. 3, 21–37 (2018).
[2] Bolander, J. et al. Bioinspired development of an in vitro engineered fracture callus for the treatment of critical long bone defects. Adv. Funct. Mater. 31, 2104159 (2021).
[3] Soucy, J. R., Bindas, A. J., Koppes, A. N. & Koppes, R. A. Instrumented microphysiological systems for realtime measurement and manipulation of cellular electrochemical processes. iScience 21, 521–548 (2019).
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