Aston University Midlands Quantum X bioprinter - ANIMATOR

To understand how the body works it is necessary to understand how cells in the body signal to each other and interact. Traditionally this has been done by growing cells in flat plastic culture dishes. Although much has been learnt using these methods, we now know that is important for cells to be in the same structural configuration as they exist in the body. For example in the brain, nerve cells connect to each other in 3 dimensions, and are able to connect to cells above, below or anywhere around them. This is important in order to understand how the brain works. To study processes like this, it is t important to grow cells in 3 dimensions. This can already be done by using types of gels called hydrogels that support cell growth. However, substances like hydrogels can wobble and this can damage connections or cells can move out of place. A solution would be to be able to grow cells on solid surfaces in 3 dimensions. To do this effectively would require researchers to be able to place cells in very small areas similar to their dimensions. This is difficult, and cannot be achieved using traditional approaches. A method that has recently been developed is called 2PP (two photon polymerisation). This method uses laser light to turn liquid resins into a solid material. This means that shapes and structures can be "built" in 3 dimensions, and the use of lasers means that almost any shape of design can be made on very small scales. It is therefore possible to build pillars or scaffolds that can hold a single cell. With previous methods such as hydrogels where cells appear randomly, the 2PP technology means that scientists can design structures that can hold individual cells in positions where they decide. This means that scientists can control experiments and gain much more information. At Aston we want to buy a newly designed 2PP printer called the Quantum X bio. This printer has a 2PP laser, but can also print structures with cells in them. This is currently the most advanced form of 2PP printing for cell biology, and if successful, this Quantum X bio at Aston University would be the first in the UK. This would be used by scientists at Aston University on many projects, for example to study how brain cells signal to each other, how liver cells function and how molecules like drugs get across cells in the mouth and stomach and into the body. The printer would also be shared with scientists around the Midlands such as Birmingham, Loughborough and Nottingham. Aston University researchers are already experts at 3D printing and make designs in the Advanced Prototype Facility (APF) for many industries in the Midlands. The Quantum X bio facility would be set up with the help of the APF experts to make sure that it is efficient and is able to be used in as many biological science projects as possible. 2PP printing technology with cells is a new technology, therefore having the Quantum X bio at Aston University would enable Midland's Scientists and others in the UK to lead the way with scientific discoveries in many aspects of understanding how the human body works

Human cell models in 2D and in 3D culture are major models propelling discovery in human cell biology. However, understanding cellular functions and interactions between cells and other cell types requires cellular level and 3D culture architecture control. There have also been major advances in the field of 3D printing and an increasing use of 3D printing applied to biological questions, such as in the field of hydrogels which have enabled tissues to be grown in 3D. However, the precision of such devices for certain applications is insufficient. For example, when growing neurons and guiding cell processes it is necessary to have micron to submicron resolution. A method that can attain this is two-photon polymerisation (2PP). This uses ultra-short laser pulses to produce 2-photon excitation within a suitable substrate. The focus volume of the 2-photon incident excitation determines the scale of the polymerisation and so the resolution of printed features. 2PP enables the 3D printing of structures from biomaterials with submicron resolution. We request funding for a QX-Bio 2PP printer. The printer combines 2PP with printing of a range of biocompatible materials and gels and importantly enables this in the presence of cells, so enabling the co-printing of complex precise interacting architectures. Building on Aston's expertise in the use of 2PP printing and established 3D printing facility APF, the QX-Bio will be hosted as a multi-user facility at Aston University. The facility will be advertised via the Midlands Innovation Universities equipment sharing website and available for use by these Universities in the Midlands and further afield. The capabilities of the QX-Bio will support and foster development of the 3D culture model and organ-on-chip community in the Midlands and enable them to make a step change in their research and discoveries.