Spatial and Temporal Functional and Metabolic Mapping of 3D Cell Cultures
Co-PI: Prof. Ben Maoz (Tel Aviv University)
Bioprinting is a promising tool in tissue engineering as it creates 3D models with high spatial resolution and control. These models, compared to traditional 2D models, better mimic the anatomy and physiology of the human body. However, one major challenge is having functional readouts in situ with spatial information. To address this, we propose a new innovative approach, inspired by origami art, which is to prefabricate a structure, equipped with multiple sensing capabilities, and to fold it around the 3D bioprinted samples. This will provide the ability to have multiple sensing capabilities in 3D with precise 3D location. Moreover, once the system is established, it will be used to assess the metabolic communication between the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) and neurons, as it has a significant role in health and disease. Currently, there is no system that enables such in situ assessment of 3D bioprinted systems with both spatial and temporal resolution. This will open new avenues for both lab and industry for assessing the functional and metabolic state of 3D samples in high spatial and temporal resolution, which is a dire need for proper assessment of the biological functionality in health, disease, and drug development.