3D-bioprinted placenta-on-a-chip platform for modeling the human maternal-fetal barrier

Abstract

The placenta plays a vital role in pregnancy by regulating selective exchange between the maternal and fetal circulations and producing essential hormonal signals. In this study, we present an in vitro placenta-on-a-chip platform that leverages 3D bioprinting to replicate the structural and functional features of the human placental barrier. This microengineered system utilizes digital light processing-based 3D bioprinting to fabricate the microfluidic mold and construct 3D encapsulated cell cultures within a biomimetic hydrogel scaffold, enabling co-culture of three human cell types, including two derived from primary placental tissue. The system demonstrated excellent cell viability, high metabolic activity, placental hormone secretion, and native-like selective barrier transport properties. This system offers a versatile platform for experimental perturbations to explore mechanisms of normal placental function and identify contributors to placental dysfunction.

Keywords

Bioprinting / Microfluidics / Microphysiological system / Organ-on-a-chip / Placenta / Trophoblast stem cells

Funding

This work was supported in part by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to S.C., L.L., and M.P. (R21HD100132) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to S.C. (2135720). The UCSD School of Medicine Microscopy Core facility was supported by the NIH grant P30 NS047101.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

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