In-Chip Volumetric Printing of Collagen-I Scaffolds for Perfusable and Stretchable Mammary Tissue Models

Engineered epithelial models require three-dimensional extracellular matrix environments that support organized cell growth and allow independent access to luminal and basal compartments. However, many organ-on-chip (OoC) fabrication strategies rely on planar geometries, non-native materials, or multi-step assembly workflows that limit architectural complexity and experimental control. Here, we report a direct in-chip volumetric printing strategy for fabricating stretchable and perfusable collagen-I scaffolds inside custom OoC devices. A vitamin C-regulated ruthenium/sodium persulfate photocrosslinking system enabled high-fidelity printing of collagen-I into open-lumen architectures with ductal- and alveolar-inspired features. By generating scaffolds directly within the final culture device, this workflow eliminates post-print transfer and integrates defined collagen architectures with compartmentalized fluidic access and a mechanically actuable chip format. To support chip-based culture, printed collagen constructs were stabilized after fabrication using EDC/NHS chemistry, which limited thermally induced collagen densification, improved shape retention, and maintained scaffold anchorage during perfusion. The chip design provided separate access to the printed lumen and surrounding basal compartment, which enabled compartment-specific fluid handling while preserving scaffold integrity during inflation, stretching, and perfusion of the printed construct. On the collagen-I scaffolds, human milk-derived mammary epithelial cells formed epithelial layers with tight junctions and lactation associated markers. The platform further supported perfusion culture, in situ staining, and whole-chip volumetric imaging. Together, this work establishes direct in-chip collagen-I volumetric printing as a biofabrication strategy for creating perfusable epithelial tissue chips with native matrix architecture and compartmentalized fluidic control.