Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include additional methods and compositions for fabricating organoids. A unique approach has been developed for the rapid aggregation of defined number of cells using a micropillar-based template to limit the size of organoids, which are then more commonly referred to as spheroids. This procedure can be utilized to create in vitro cardiac tissue models (e.g., cardiac organoids) simply, rapidly, and inexpensively. In certain aspects an alginate-gelatin based hydrogel premixed with cardiomyocytes is used in combination with a patterned microfluidic chip/cell culture chamber having an array of micropillars to fabricate 3D cardiac organoids.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein include three-dimensional bioprinting technologies which produce cell scaffolds with a high degree of complexity and precision. A bioprinting ink mixture can be formed with coated gold nanoparticles in an alginate-gelatin solution. Upon bioprinting a 3D scaffold microstructure from the bioink mixture, an imaging procedure is performed on the 3D scaffold microstructure using the coated gold nanoparticles as a contrasting agent. A microstructure characterization is determined from the imaging procedure, and a virtual 3D reconstruction of the microstructure characterization can be generated for presentation on a graphical user interface (GUI) of a computing device.

Abstract: Cardiac tissue-on-a-chip platforms aimed at mimicking human cardiac tissue structures, are valuable tools to model, and serve as preclinical platforms for drug testing or therapies for cardiac repair. We have developed three types of electrospun scaffolds including furfuryl gelatin (f-gelatin) alone, with polycaprolactone (PCL) in the ratio of f-gelatin and PCL (1:1), and coaxial scaffolds with PCL (core) and f-gelatin (sheath). Scaffolds were developed through single nozzle electrospinning and coaxial electrospinning, respectively, to serve as scaffolds for cardiac tissue-on-a-chip platforms.

Abstract: Cardiac tissue-on-a-chip platforms aimed at mimicking human cardiac tissue structures, are valuable tools to model, and serve as preclinical platforms for drug testing or therapies for cardiac repair. We have developed three types of electrospun scaffolds including furfuryl gelatin (f-gelatin) alone, with polycaprolactone (PCL) in the ratio of f-gelatin and PCL (1:1), and coaxial scaffolds with PCL (core) and f-gelatin (sheath). Scaffolds were developed through single nozzle electrospinning and coaxial electrospinning, respectively, to serve as scaffolds for cardiac tissue-on-a-chip platforms.

Abstract: Crosslinkers of an amide or thiocarbamate of 7-nitroindoline were prepared with at least two attached reactive groups for crosslinking capability. The photo-cleavability of the invented crosslinkers is based on the known photolysis behavior of N-acyl-7-nitroindolines, and the photolysis behavior of amides and thiocarbamates of 7-nitroindolines. These crosslinkers enable crosslinking of biopolymers, which can be reversed by illumination with light.

Abstract: Crosslinkers of an amide or thiocarbamate of 7-nitroindoline were prepared with at least two attached reactive groups for crosslinking capability. The photo-cleavability of the invented crosslinkers is based on the known photolysis behavior of N-acyl-7-nitroindolines, and the photolysis behavior of amides and thiocarbamates of 7-nitroindolines. These crosslinkers enable crosslinking of biopolymers, which can be reversed by illumination with light.

Abstract: A novel 34 amino acid long collagen-like peptide rich in proline, hydroxyproline, and glycine, and with several photoreactive N-acyl-7-nitroindoline units incorporated into the peptide backbone was synthesized by on-resin fragment condensation. The circular dichroism measurement of this peptide supports a stable triple helix structure. This peptide has potential as a new biomimetic material with built-in latent photochemical functions that enable the decomposition into small peptide fragments by illumination with UV light of 350 nm. Using a photoreactive glycine derivative as a model compound for the collagen-like peptide, we demonstrate that its photolysis can also be triggered by a two-photon absorption process using a femtosecond laser at 710 nm. When a thin film of this compound is irradiated with femtosecond laser light at 710 nm the photochemistry occurs only at locations of irradiation.

Abstract: Disclosed are elastogenic cues that can be utilized to encourage growth and development of elastin-containing cellular constructs. The elastogenic cues include hyaluronan fragments and oligomers, optionally in conjunction with growth factors and/or a source of copper ions. The elastogenic cues can up-regulate elastin matrix synthesis and by vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition to encouraging synthesis of elastin in a cellular matrix and organization into elastic fibers, the elastogenic cues can also stabilize the formed ECM matrix through suppression of elastin-laminin receptor (ELR). In addition, the elastogenic cues can inhibit cell hyper-proliferation (e.g., hyperplasia) common in inflammatory vascular disease.