Single-step 3D bioprinting of alginate-collagen I hydrogel fiber rings to promoter angiogenic network formation

In the advent of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, the demand for innovative approaches to biofabricate complex vascular structures is increasing. We describe a single-step 3D bioprinting method leveraging Aspect Biosystems RX1 technology, that integrates the crosslinking step at a flow-focusing junction, to biofabricate immortalized adult rat brain endothelial cell (SV-ARBEC)-encapsulated in alginate-collagen type I hydrogel rings, enabling robust angiogenesis and the formation of intricate vascular-like networks. This single-step biofabrication process involves the strategic layer-by-layer assembly of hydrogel rings, encapsulating SV-ARBECs in a spatially controlled manner while optimizing access to media and nutrients. The spatial arrangement of endothelial cells within the rings promotes angiogenic network formation and the organized development of vascular-like networks through facilitated constrained deposition of the cells within the hydrogel matrix forming tissue-like structures. This approach provides a platform that can be adapted to many different endothelial cell types and leveraged to better understanding the mechanisms driving angiogenesis and vascular-network formation in 3D bioprinted constructs supporting the development of more complex tissue and disease models for advancing drug discovery, tissue engineering and regenerative applications.