micro–computed tomography (μCT)
Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) is a 3D imaging technique utilizing X-rays to see inside an object, slice by slice. It is similar to a CT scan, but on a micro-scale. Micro-CT provides high resolution 3D imaging of the interior structure of materials and biological samples without having to cut the samples.
self-assemble vascular networks
Angiogenesis is essential to the growth and repair of new tissue, providing cells with replenishing resources. Researchers have come up with scaffold-free methods based on self-assembly to generating artificial tissues. Read more on the role of self-assembly and organization in tissue engineering at:
computational method
Computational modeling is a helpful tool in determining the effectiveness of medical products and experiments. Read more on how computer simulations help speed up discovery of new therapies at:
Engineering smaller-scale vasculature
Researchers introduced a new method to 3D print smaller-scale vasculature, thereby contributing to the progression of tissue engineering. Read more on the importance of generating blood vessels in artificial tissues at:
creating a regulatory process for clinical translation
Bioprinting is a new, fast-changing field; and there are no established regulatory processes to evaluate products and approve their effectiveness. To read more about the future of artificial organ implants and their clinical translation:
proof of concept
Proof of concept is testing a design idea or an assumption, or demonstrating the functionality of a concept or a theory to prove its practical potential. While not all research projects end with a finished product or a breakthrough, they lay the foundation and demonstrate feasibility for future work.
To accomplish this, we developed a substantially improved second generation
This exemplifies the idea that research and learning can sometimes take multiple tries to perfect an idea.
mechanical integrity and function of collagen
The demonstration of the mechanical integrity is important to the overall function of the model. If the heart cannot withstand the stresses from normally bodily functions, it will not serve as a good replacement in a human body.
microvascularization
formation of small blood vessels
Three-dimensional (3D) bio-printing
This work builds on a relatively new field, bioprinting. A field that poses a variety of ethical dilemmas to policy makers.
Read more here: https://jme.bmj.com/content/43/9/618