Replica moulded poly(dimethylsiloxane) microwell arrays induce localized endothelial cell immobilization for coculture with pancreatic islets.

PolyJet three-dimensional (3D) printing allows for the rapid manufacturing of 3D moulds for the fabrication of cross-linked poly(dimethylsiloxane) microwell arrays (PMAs). As this 3D printing technique has a resolution on the micrometer scale, the moulds exhibit a distinct surface roughness. In this study, the authors demonstrate by optical profilometry that the topography of the 3D printed moulds can be transferred to the PMAs and that this roughness induced cell adhesive properties to the material. In particular, the topography facilitated immobilization of endothelial cells on the internal walls of the microwells. The authors also demonstrate that upon immobilization of endothelial cells to the microwells, a second population of cells, namely, pancreatic islets could be introduced, thus producing a 3D coculture platform.