Omnidirectional printing of 3D microvascular networks

3D biomimetic microvascular networks of nearly arbitrary design are patterned by omnidirectional printing of a fugitive organic ink into a photopolymerizable hydrogel matrix. This novel approach hinges critically on tailoring the chemical and rheological properties of the fugitive ink as well as the photopolymerizable hydrogel reservoir and fluid filler. These hydrogel-based, microvascular constructs may find potential application in 3D cell culture, tissue engineering, organ modeling, and autonomic healing.