Symbiotic Photosynthetic Oxygenation within 3D-Bioprinted Vascularized Tissues.

In this study, we present the photosynthetic oxygen (O) supply to mammalian cells within a volumetric extracellular matrix-like construct, whereby a three-dimensional (3D)-bioprinted fugitive pattern encapsulating unicellular green algae, (), served as a natural photosynthetic O-generator. The presence of bioprinted enhanced the viability and functionality of mammalian cells while reducing the hypoxic conditions within the tissues. We were able to subsequently endothelialize the hollow perfusable microchannels formed after enzymatic removal of the bioprinted -laden patterns from the matrices following the initial oxygenation period, to obtain biologically relevant vascularized mammalian tissue constructs. The feasibility of co-culture of with human cells, the printability and the enzymatic degradability of the fugitive bioink, as well as the exploration of as a natural, eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable source of O would likely promote the development of engineered tissues, tissue models, and food for various applications.