Paper-Based Scaffolding for Culturing Tissue Vasculature

Researchers from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital have discovered a way to create paper-based cell culture scaffolds that model tissue vasculature. The scaffolding is created by 3D printing hydrophobic paraffin wax within a bacterial cellulose hydrogel matrix. Once the material dries, the paraffin is removed, leaving a scaffold that can be used to form tissue vasculature. The printing method allows scientists to create unique, random patterns which are not possible with traditional cutting or wax patterning. The channel devices created with this new technique can be stored until they are needed for use and contrasts with devices printed with typical materials (such as gels) which must be used immediately.