Abstract: The invention pertains to methods and apparatuses for rapid production of organized tissue precursors with different sizes and geometry. An embodiment of the invention provides a method of producing 3D tissue structures, the method comprising: producing a plurality of patterned monolayers of cells and sequentially overlaying the plurality of patterned monolayers of cells to produce a stack of monolayers of cells. The patterns of cells in the plurality of monolayers can be designed in a manner which produces a tissue or a portion of a tissue when the plurality of monolayers is overlaid in to a stack. The invention also pertains to an apparatus for producing a 3D tissue module. The apparatus comprises: a three-dimensional positioning system, a contact stamp, a contact stamp storage container, a contact stamp holder, a contact stamp exchange unit, and a contact stamp actuator.

Abstract: The invention pertains to devices and methods for rapid release of a patterned tissue module. The invention pertains to a device comprising a substrate and a pattern of shape-memory polymer fabricated upon the substrate, wherein the shape-memory polymer is converted to a deformed state by exposure to an external stimulus, for example, a change in temperature, pH, ionic strength, solvent, salt, surfactant, or an electric or magnetic field. The invention also pertains to a method of releasing a patterned tissue module, the method comprising the steps of plating cells in the device of the invention, culturing the cells to produce the patterned tissue module on the pattern of shape-memory polymer, applying the external stimulus to the device, and collecting the patterned tissue module released from the pattern of shape-memory polymer.