Method and system for printing cells to a substrate comprising cell adhesive regions

#The current fabrication of biological microelectromechanical systems (bioMEMs) often includes a process of plating cells onto substrates that include sensors. The sensors provide information to the researcher regarding the function of the cells. Sensors can include, for example, microelectrode arrays for measuring cell electrical activity and cantilevers for measuring cell forces. The plating of cells onto bioMEM sensors typically results in the loss of the cells that do not adhere to the plate. Furthermore, cells that adhere to the plate in locations not measured by the sensors are not used in the experiments. Given the high cost and extensive time associated with certain types of cell culture, the loss of these cells presents a problem.

#FIG. 1 shows a bioprinter and its modifications for printing cells on surfaces. A. Print cartridge holding first cell suspension. B. Print cartridge holding media or second cell suspension. C. Plate holding surfaces. D. Plastic encasement surrounding the print area to keep the environment sterile and humid. E. Latex material to complete the print area enclosure while allowing for movement of the stage and frame during printing.

#FIG. 2 shows the printing and characterization of human skeletal muscle. The cells were printed from a cell suspension onto silicone cantilevers modified with DETA and cell morphology was studied over a culture period of 14 days after the printing process (days in vitro, DIV) in serum free media.

#FIG. 3 shows the printing and characterization of spinal cord derived human motoneurons. The cells were printed on custom-fabricated multielectrode arrays with a cell adhesive area (DETA) around the electrodes (500 um diameter) and a cell repulsive area (PEG) covering the remaining surface. Cell morphology was studied over an extended culture period of 28 days after the printing process (DIV) in serum free media.

#Terms used throughout this application are to be construed with ordinary and typical meaning to those of ordinary skill in the art. However, Applicant desires that the following terms be given the particular definition as defined below.

#As used in the specification and claims, the singular form “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a cell” includes a plurality of cells, including mixtures thereof. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

#As used herein, the term “comprising” is intended to mean that the compositions and methods include the recited elements, but not excluding others. “Consisting essentially of” when used to define compositions and methods, shall mean excluding other elements of any essential significance to the combination. Thus, a composition consisting essentially of the elements as defined herein would not exclude trace contaminants from the isolation and purification method and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, such as phosphate buffered saline, preservatives, and the like. “Consisting of” shall mean excluding more than trace elements of other ingredients and substantial method steps for administering the compositions of this invention. Embodiments defined by each of these transition terms are within the scope of this invention.