Chip with Precise Vascular Networks Revolutionizes Models

A chip with natural blood vessels: Researchers create miniature organ models in a rapid and reproducible manner

May 27, 2025

By Lisa Lock, Scientific Editor

Introduction

In the ever-evolving field of biomedical research, the development of organs-on-a-chip, also known as microphysiological systems, has emerged as a groundbreaking methodology. These organ models offer the potential to conduct experiments with a high degree of accuracy compared to traditional studies involving live mammals. This article covers a significant breakthrough at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), where researchers have successfully created networks of perfusable blood vessels essential for the functionality of these miniature organs.

The Innovation Behind Organ-on-a-Chip Technology

Microphysiological systems allow researchers to investigate drug interactions and organ system responses under controlled conditions. One critical challenge faced in this realm is the creation of vascular networks that emulate the complexity of natural blood flow systems. This challenge has limited the reliability and reproducibility of such models.

Researchers at TU Wien have addressed this issue by establishing a method that utilizes 3D printing technology to create tiny blood vessels rapidly and reproducibly. As a result, they have developed models that mimic the behavior of natural tissue perfusion effectively.

Creating Vessels Within Hydrogels

To accurately replicate human tissue, these researchers cultivated blood vessels within structures called hydrogels. Hydrogels serve as a supportive framework for living cells while maintaining permeability, akin to actual biological tissues. By forming intricate channels within these hydrogels, researchers can direct the development of blood vessels that closely replicate their biological counterparts.

The main challenge in this process has traditionally been the geometry of the vascular networks—ensuring consistency between samples has proven problematic. However, the team turned to advanced laser technology to fine-tune channel shapes, enabling the construction of highly precise and reproducible microvascular models.

Laser Technology for Precision and Speed

Employing ultrashort laser pulses that operate in the femtosecond range, the team achieved unprecedented precision in crafting 3D structures within hydrogels—a process that is both quick and efficient. Key aspects of this innovative technique include:

• Channel Density: Channels can be spaced only a hundred micrometers apart, closely mimicking the natural density of blood vessels in various organs.
• Stability: A two-step thermal curing process was introduced, enhancing the stability of the hydrogel material even when populated with living cells.
• Speed: The innovative method allows for the patterning of 30 channels in just 10 minutes, making it significantly quicker than existing methods.

Modeling Biological Responses

A crucial component in successfully modeling human organs is ensuring that the artificial blood vessels emulate their natural reactions, especially regarding inflammation. The team demonstrated that endothelial cells lining the artificial vessels responded similarly to their biological counterparts by exhibiting increased permeability in response to inflammatory signals.

“We have not only shown that we can produce artificial blood vessels that can actually be perfused, but we have also developed a scalable technology for industrial applications,” – Prof. Aleksandr Ovsianikov, TU Wien

Application: Liver Tissue Models

Beyond vascular networks, the research team successfully created liver lobules on a chip—a significant step forward in organ-on-a-chip technology. Collaborating with Keio University in Japan, they produced a model that features a controlled 3D vascular network, accurately reflecting the arrangement of central veins and sinusoids found in vivo.

Advantages of the Liver-on-a-Chip Model

This liver model boasts several advantages:

• Enhanced Nutrient Flow: Multiple layers of microvessels ensure adequate nutrient distribution, resulting in improved metabolic activity.
• Realistic Drug Response: The ability to observe biological responses in a controlled environment could enhance the understanding of drug interactions.
• Application in Preclinical Research: These advancements foster greater integration of organ-on-a-chip technology into preclinical drug discovery and testing

Conclusion

The remarkable achievements at TU Wien in developing rapid, reproducible vascular networks for organ-on-a-chip technology signify a pivotal advancement in medical research. By enhancing the functionality and realism of these miniature organ models, researchers are poised to better understand complex biological processes and improve the efficacy of drug treatments.

Future Prospects

As researchers work toward refining and expanding these techniques, they envision applications that will not only deepen our understanding of human physiology but also lead to groundbreaking advancements in therapeutics and regenerative medicine.

References

For more information, visit the original article at Medical Xpress.