BioCHIPS builds on the 3D matrix assisted bioprinting technology developed under the scope of the ERC CoG MagTendon, combining it with a Celulose Nanocrystals (CNC) fluid gel support media, providing an innovative concept/solution for the production of free-form cellular constructs embedded within its own ECM-mimetic bioreactor. While being specifically explored by MagTendon to support the long-term in vitro maturation of tendon constructs, we observed that the developed platform shows great versatility and can be broadly applied as a general technology for the fabrication of OoC models. The main goal of Biochips was to provide proof-of-concept and explore its commercial/industrial potential using cancer modeling as the biotechnological application challenge.
As proposed, we have used the controlled self-assembly of plant-derived cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) combined with the concept of 3D bioprinting in suspension baths for the direct biofabrication of microphysiological systems embedded within an ECM mimetic fibrillar support material. The proposed CNC-based platform supports high-resolution printing of perfusable microuidic channels and embedded constructs with arbitrary freeform 3D shapes using different low viscosity hydrogel bioinks and cell types. The controlled self-assembly of CNC after printing induces their fibrillation into networks that recreate the characteristic topography of native ECMs and allows the easy interstitial diffusion of macromolecules. It enables the direct writing of living constructs/tissue models in the 3D space of a perfusable bioinspired housing material that allows diffusion of signaling biomolecules for cell–cell communications, using a simple extrusion 3D bioprinter without the need for specific microfabrication processes, equipment, or skills. The automated nature of this biofabrication platform further provides significant advantages of throughput, reproducibility, and scalability for the manufacturing of miniaturized multicellular systems with complex bioinspired 3D architectures. Additionally, the CNC matrix is transparent for real-time monitoring and embedded tissue models can be easily harvested under mild biocompatible conditions by enzymatic digestion with cellulase for further processing/characterization. This unique set of properties in a single system has not been reported to date by previous support materials used in embedded 3D bioprinting demonstrates that it provides a very promising platform for the manufacturing of OoC.
Altogether, the studies performed so far allowed to establish the the optimal characteristics and components of a marketable prototype product of BioCHIPS for future presentation to industry contacts and commercialization. As a starting point, the prototype BioCHIPS kit will be composed of multiwell plate with fibrillar matrix (tissue plate), hardener, CAD design and optionally the construct releaser (see Figure attached BioCHIPSPrototype).
Concurrently, an extensive benchmarking analysis was performed that enabled to understanding the competitive landscape and strategically position of our product to address unmet needs and emerging trends in the biofabrication and microfluidics market.
The benchmarking analysis also provided further basis for the development of our business models (both are presented in detail in the attached report).
