3D Fabrication of PCL Micro-Scaffolds with Interconnected Flow-Channel and Perfusion Culture for In Vitro Construction of Functional Islet Tissue

A novel micro-scaffold with interconnected flow-channel facilitating mass transfer was designed as a rigid structure to sustain dynamic perfusion culture towards engineering functional islet tissues. Biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) micro-scaffolds, having around 69.2% porosity with a pore size of 10 µm, were fabricated via casting technology using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) mold printed by fused deposition modeling (FDM). Combined with perfusing or rotating dynamic culture, cells inside the scaffolds presented a high survival rate and the tendency of aerobic respiration, proving good biocompatibility characteristics and sufficient oxygen exchange. Enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion of MIN6-m9 cells inside the scaffolds compared to the 2D model also indicated stronger cell activity and functions, providing an ideal candidate for in vitro tissue regeneration in the future.