ABSTRACT
In regenerative medicine, the healing of the interfacial zone between tissues is a major challenge, yet approaches for engineering and studying the complex microenvironment of this interface remain lacking1–3. Here, we create and study these complex living interfaces by manufacturing modular “blocks” of decellularized plant-derived scaffolds4–6 with varying shapes and sizes with a computer numerical controlled mill. Each block can then be seeded with different cell types and easily assembled in a manner akin to LEGO™ bricks to create an engineered tissue interface (ETI). As a proof-of-concept study we utilize ETIs to investigate the interaction between lab grown bone and connective tissues. We also demonstrate how ETIs are biocompatible in vivo, stimulating the formation of blood vessels, cell infiltration, and tissue integration after implantation. This work creates possibilities for new tissue design avenues for understanding fundamental biological processes or the development of synthetic artificial tissues.
Competing Interest Statement
RJH oversaw all experimental protocols and fabricated the scaffolds, performed cell culture, microscopy and analysis. MLL performed cell culture. MLL and RJH performed the surgical procedures. RJH and JLH performed rheological analyses. AEP conceived, directed and managed the project. All authors reviewed the data and prepared the manuscript for publication.
