Development of a vascularisation model for the growth and proliferation of large adipose tissue.

该项目旨在开发3D打印脂肪组织内复杂可行且可灌注的血管网络，用于乳房切除术后的乳房组织重建。乳腺癌是英国最常见的癌症类型，部分治疗需要进行称为乳房切除术的侵入性手术。乳房切除术后重建是患者愈合过程中不可或缺的一部分。目前的乳房切除术后重建方案与许多并发症有关。使用患者自身脂肪干细胞的组织工程脂肪组织提供了一种理想的选择，然而缺乏可行的可灌注血管是成功开发工程组织的障碍。新的3D打印方法将设计使用共聚物（pluronic）作为牺牲材料。pluronic的3D纤维网络将被打印出来，然后涂上与脂肪干细胞结合的甲基丙烯酸明胶（一种生物相容性水凝胶）。pluronic被移除后形成的圆柱形通道将与内皮细胞（血管内衬细胞）一起培养，使用静态和生物反应器培养方法在脂肪组织内形成复杂且可灌注的血管网络。植入后，工程血管化脂肪组织将连接到患者的血管系统，并在其一生中维持。

This project aims to develop 3D printed complex viable and perfusable vascular networks within adipose tissue for application in breast tissue reconstruction following mastectomy. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK and part of the treatment requires invasive surgery called mastectomy. Following mastectomy reconstruction can be integral part of the patient's healing process. Current post-mastectomy reconstructive options are associated with many complications. Tissue engineered adipose tissue using the patient's own adipose stem cells offers a desired alternative, however absence of viable and perfusable blood vessels is a hurdle for the development of successful engineered tissues. Novel 3D printing methodology will be designed using a copolymer (pluronic) as a sacrificial material. 3D filament networks of pluronic will be printed and then coated with Gelatin-Methacrylate (a biocompatible hydrogel) combined with adipose stem cells. The cylindrical channels formed once pluronic is removed, will be cultured with endothelial cells (vessel lining cells) using static and bioreactor culture methods to form complex and perfusable vascular networks within the fat tissue. Upon implantation the engineered vascularised adipose tissue will connect to patient's vasculature and be sustained throughout their life.