Overview

• The Terasaki Institute has introduced a light-based 3D printing technique to fabricate microgels with precise architectures that guide cell growth and organization.
• Published in the journal *Small*, the study demonstrates successful alignment of muscle cells into fibers and photoreceptor cells into retinal-like layers.
• Incorporation of angiogenic peptides into the microgels promotes blood vessel growth both in vitro and in vivo, enhancing tissue viability.
• The microgels retain their shape during injection, supporting applications in minimally invasive therapies such as muscle repair and retinal disease treatments.
• Supported by funding from NIDDK and TIBI, the customizable platform is positioned for preclinical development in regenerative medicine.