Development of a human 3D biomimetic intestinal in vitro model using digital light processing and gelatin-based biomaterial inks

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Scope of the method

The Method relates to
  • Human health
The Method is situated in
  • Basic Research
  • Translational - Applied Research
Type of method
  • In vitro - Ex vivo
This method makes use of
  • Animal derived cells / tissues / organs
Species from which cells/tissues/organs are derived
Human
Type of cells/tissues/organs
Intestinal epithelial cells

Description

Method keywords
  • 3D bioprinting
  • epithelium
  • Gelatin
Scientific area keywords
  • inflammatory bowel disease
  • digital light processing
Method description

Gelatin-methacryloyl-aminoethyl-methacrylate (gel-MA-AEMA)-, and gelatin-methacryloyl-norbornene (gel-MA-NB)-based biomaterial inks fabricated into 3D hydrogels (“villi only” versus “crypts and villi”) with digital light processing and co-cultured Caco-2/HT29-MTX cells.

Lab equipment
  • - Printer (CellInk LumenX+)
  • - Standard cell culture equipment
Method status
  • Published in peer reviewed journal

Pros, cons & Future potential

Advantages
  • - Intestinal epithelial cells have more enhanced functional barrier formation and enterocyte differentiation.
  • - Biocompatibility of the material.
Modifications
  • - Inclusion of primary cells such as gut organoids.
  • - Addition of the 3D structures in millifluidics system, adding relevant shear stress to the cells.

References, associated documents and other information

References

Maes L, Szabó A, Van Haevermaete J, Geurs I, Dewettinck K, Vandenbroucke RE, Van Vlierberghe S, Laukens D. Digital light processing of photo-crosslinkable gelatin to create biomimetic 3D constructs serving small intestinal tissue regeneration. Biomater Adv. 2025 Jun;171:214232.

Contact person

Debby Laukens

Organisations

Ghent University (UGent)
Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
IBD Research Unit
Belgium
Flemish Region

Ghent University (UGent)
Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry
Belgium
Flemish Region