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: 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.