A simple DLP-bioprinting strategy produces cell-laden crypt-villous structures for an advanced 3D gut model

The intestine is a complex tissue with a characteristic three-dimensional (3D) crypt-villous architecture, which plays a key role in the intestinal function. This function is also regulated by the intestinal stroma that actively supports the intestinal epithelium, maintaining homeostasis. Efforts to account for the 3D complex structure of the intestinal tissue have been focused mainly in mimicking the epithelial barrier, while solutions to include the stromal compartment are scarce and unpractical to be used in routine experiments. Here we demonstrate that by employing an optimized bioink formulation and the suitable printing parameters it is possible to produce fibroblast-laden crypt-villous structures by means of digital light processing (DLP) stereolithography. This process provides excellent cell viability, accurate spatial resolution and high printing throughput, resulting in a robust biofabrication approach that yields functional gut mucosa tissues compatible with conventional testing techniques. Teaser3D bioprinting approach for the direct fabrication of advanced cell-laden tissue constructs by means of visible-light photopolymerization.