In a groundbreaking study published in the journal *Small Science* (translated from German as “Small Science”), researchers have demonstrated the viability and functionality of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) after being subjected to innovative bio-jetting and threading techniques. This research, led by Prasad Sawadkar from The Griffin Institute at Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research, could potentially revolutionize various industries, including the energy sector, by enabling the creation of complex 3D biological structures.
The study employed advanced biological assays, such as the chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and angiogenesis assays, to evaluate the post-treated cells. These assays, combined with immunostaining for CD31 and flow cytometry, provided a comprehensive assessment of the cells’ condition after exposure to both electric field and non-electric field driven spraying and spinning approaches.
The results were promising. Post-treated cells showed comparable viability to control cells, as assessed via flow cytometry. Moreover, these cells exhibited similar angiogenic sprouting and formed microtubules akin to controls, as seen through immunohistochemistry staining with CD31 and the angiogenic assay. The CAM assay further confirmed that post-processed cells could form a microvasculature indistinguishable from controls.
“This research pushes forward these platform biotechniques for their exploration in both the biomedical laboratory and clinic,” said Sawadkar. The implications of these findings are vast, spanning tissue reconstruction, organoid and spheroid models for drug discovery and development, and even extending to the evolving food industry.
For the energy sector, the ability to create complex 3D biological structures could lead to advancements in bioenergy production and storage. For instance, these techniques could be used to develop more efficient biofuels or to create biological systems for energy storage. The potential applications are not limited to the energy sector; they could also impact fields such as environmental remediation and industrial biotechnology.
The study’s findings highlight the potential of bio-jetting and threading techniques in creating viable and functional biological structures. As Sawadkar noted, “These results push forward these platform biotechniques for their exploration in both the biomedical laboratory and clinic.” The research opens up new avenues for innovation and could lead to significant advancements in various industries, including the energy sector.
The study, “Comparative Viability and Functionality of Bio‐Jetted and Threaded Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells,” was published in *Small Science*, a journal dedicated to cutting-edge research in the field of small-scale science and technology. This research not only advances our understanding of cellular behavior but also paves the way for future developments in biotechnology and beyond.