Abstract text (incl. figure legends and references)
Introduction
Structural functionalities, regulatory processes and interactions of living matter follow the principle of three-dimensionality. Research of properties and functions of living structures requires suitable approaches that can replicate these functionalities in the laboratory. 3D cell models have become very important for research approaches and drug testing.
Objectives
This lecture is intended to provide an overview of the strategies and methods used at the iba to make three-dimensional cell models available as carrier structures for pathogenicity research and biomedical application.
Materials and Techniques
The iba uses two-photon polymerisation and bioprinting to produce three-dimensional carrier structures. By choosing suitable polymerizable materials, carriers are available which correspond to the biochemical and mechanical characteristics of native matrices. Stem cells are increasingly being used to build complex cell models. Cell differentiation can be controlled by various bioactive surface modifications.
Microfluidic chip applications are ideal so that cell models can be used efficiently for biomedical and pharmacological research. Examples of bone-cartilage tissue engineering, multi-organ chips and infection research are presented.
Conclusion and Outlook
Bioprinting and laser-based structuring processes in connection with stem cells are a powerful tool for the production of artificial 3D cell models. The field of application is very broad and ranges from differentiation and pathogenicity studies, from studies to optimize therapy as part of personalized medical care to pharmacological drug tests with high practical relevance.
Future chip applications based on artificial cell models will help to better understand pathogenic processes and to be able to provide efficient therapeutic approaches.