Bioprinting novel 3D tissues with human ES-derived pancreatic beta cells to regulate blood glucose via the appropriate release of insulin

该项目的目标是开发一种可植入的生物打印3D组织，该组织包含干细胞来源的β细胞，位于管状网络中，显示出高细胞活力和适当的胰岛素释放能力。该项目代表了加拿大两家领先的技术开发商之间的新合作：Aspect，一家总部位于温哥华的公司，专注于3D生物打印技术的开发和商业化，以及Timothy Kieffer博士的BC大学实验室，该实验室已经开发了从人类胚胎干细胞（ES）中生产胰岛素产生细胞的方案。基弗实验室将为Aspect提供已分化为胰腺祖细胞或其他细胞（向成熟β细胞分化）的人类胚胎干细胞，Aspect将使用Aspect独特的海藻酸盐/胶原生物链接将其生物打印成活的生物相容性3D结构。然后，在体外和植入小鼠后，对生物打印组织进行严格的细胞活力、成熟和胰岛素产生的表征，以响应营养物质。后续研究将探索改善移植物血管化的策略，同时评估生物打印组织的免疫保护方面。该项目将为学生提供一个极好的培训机会，在学术界和工业界的界面上进行尖端生物医学工程，并可能为后续研究和开发带来大量投资。

The goal of this project is to develop an implantable bioprinted 3D tissue containing stem cell-derived betacells within a network of tubes, that demonstrates high cell viability and appropriate insulin-releasingcapability. The project represents a new collaboration between two leading Canadian technology developers:Aspect, a Vancouver-based company focused on the development and commercialization of 3D bioprintingtechnology, and the University of BC laboratory of Dr. Timothy Kieffer, where protocols have been developedfor the production of insulin producing cells from human embryonic stem (ES) cells. The Kieffer lab willprovide Aspect with human ES cells that have been differentiated into pancreatic progenitor cells or beyond(towards mature beta cells) where they will be bioprinted by Aspect into living biocompatible 3D structuresusing Aspect's unique alginate/collagen bioink. The bioprinted tissues will then be rigorously characterized forcell viability, maturation, and insulin production in response to nutrients, both in vitro and following implantinto mice. Subsequent studies will explore strategies to improve graft vascularization while also assessing theimmunoprotective aspects of the bioprinted tissue. The project will provide an excellent training opportunityfor students in cutting edge biomedical engineering at the interface of academia and industry, and could lead tosubstantial investments in follow-up research and development.