Scientists use graphene oxide and protein to achieve biological 3D printing of blood vessel structures

China3D printingNet, March 5, a new study published by a group of researchers in Nature Communications details the relationship between graphene oxide and a protein3D printing, The protein can be organized into a tubular structure that replicates vascular tissue. The research was led by Professor Alvaro Mata from the University of Nottingham and Queen Mary University of London.

Professor Mata explained: “This work is done through the orderly simultaneous synthesis and top-down of biological components starting from the nano-level.3D bioprintingAnd bottom-up self-assembly provides opportunities for biological manufacturing. Here, we are biologically manufacturing micro-scale capillary-like fluid structures that are compatible with cells, have physiologically relevant properties, and have the ability to withstand blood flow.
This can revitalize the vasculature in the laboratory and have an impact on the development of safer and more effective drugs, which means that treatments have the potential to reach patients more quickly. “




Scanning electron microscope images depict endothelial cells growing on the surface of the printed tubular structure. The picture comes from the University of Nottingham.

Self-assembling materials

The nature of self-assembly is described as organizing multiple components into a larger, well-defined structure and working towards a common goal. Many biological systems rely on self-assembly to assemble molecular building blocks to assemble larger and complex systems that exhibit useful functions. The life processes of growth, replication and repair all rely on self-assembly.
The new biomaterial discovered in the research is the result of self-assembly of graphene oxide and protein. The researchers observed that the flexible, disordered regions of the protein conform to the more uniform structure of graphene oxide, thus forming a strong interaction between the two. By precisely controlling the mixing method of the two components, scientists have discovered that the assembly process can be guided in the presence of cells, resulting in a complex and robust structure.

Then, the final result biological material can be used as3D printingBio-ink with complex structure with fine resolution. The team successfully established a blood vessel mimic structure in the presence of cells. The structure developed in the research has relevant chemical and mechanical properties that can satisfy its purpose.



A close-up of a tubular structure made between graphene oxide and protein by simultaneous printing and self-assembly. The picture comes from the University of Nottingham.

The lead researcher of the project, Dr. Wu Yuanhao, said: “People are very interested in developing materials and manufacturing processes that can imitate nature. However, so far, the ability to build robust functional materials and devices through the self-assembly of molecular components has been limited. This research introduces a new method of integrating protein and graphene oxide through self-assembly. This method can be easily integrated with additive manufacturing to easily manufacture biofluidic devices, allowing us to work in the laboratory. Replicate key parts of human tissues and organs.”


Bioprinting around the world

Because the bio-ink is in3D bioprintingTherefore, a lot of research has been done on the subject. Engineers at Rutgers University in New Jersey have previously developed their own version of bio-ink that enables the structure of the scaffold to support growing human tissue. What is important is that the stiffness of the stent can be controlled according to the mixture of inks used, so that it can be applied to different types of tissues for repair or replacement.

Elsewhere, Chicago researchers have also recently made progress in the development of bio-inks, aiming to achieve3D printingFunctional human ovary. Although it is expected that the manufacture of the entire organ will still take decades, these studies have already made major achievements, which has promoted the development of the field of bioprinting.

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