What is MEW?
Melt electrowriting (MEW) is a high-precision additive manufacturing technology that enables the creation of fine polymer microfibers with diameters ranging from sub-micron to tens of microns.
Micron-level Precision
Unlike traditional FDM 3D printing methods, MEW operates with extreme precision, allowing for very fine control over fiber placement, orientation, and spacing. This level of precision makes it possible to design scaffolds that mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) found in human tissues, a critical feature for advancing tissue engineering and in-vitro research applications.
Highly Customizable
MEW provides unique advantages that address many challenges associated with traditional modeling techniques like hydrogels. VivoTex MEW scaffolds can be tailored to replicate the complexity and organization of specific tissue microenvironments, enabling enhanced cell attachment, alignment, and growth. Furthermore, MEW scaffolds are highly customizable, allowing researchers to adjust parameters such as porosity, fiber diameter, and mechanical properties to meet the needs of specific experiments or applications. This level of adaptability is particularly valuable for studies in skin, bone, and vascular tissue engineering, as well as drug screening and cancer research.
Micro Architecture
The ability of MEW scaffolds to guide cellular behavior through topographical cues further enhances their utility. By mimicking the natural fiber architecture of ECM, MEW scaffolds promote the alignment and differentiation of cells, leading to more physiologically relevant models. This not only improves the accuracy of research findings but also reduces the reliance on animal testing by providing more predictive in-vitro models. For laboratory researchers, MEW represents a powerful tool that bridges the gap between traditional two-dimensional culture systems and the complex 3D environments found in living tissues, driving innovation and accelerating discoveries across a range of biomedical fields.
MEW Has Broad Applicability In Tissue Engineering for Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Research, and Drug Discovery
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CANCER
MEW fibers provides both mechanical and topographical cues that promote the growth of glial and glioma cells. Moreover, poly-ɛ-caprolactone (PCL) nanofibers promote the production of ECM proteins by the attached cells. The combination of MEW-scaffolds and hyaluronic acid hydrogels results in a platform for generating mature 3D cortical neuronal networks in a co-culture system with astrocytes. Other studies show MEW is effective in replicating and mimicking the morphology and function of the exocrine pancreas, which is relevant in pancreatic cancer research.
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SKIN
MEW transforms skin research by overcoming the limitations of traditional models like hydrogels, which fail to replicate the complexity of natural extracellular matrix (ECM). Example studies show that MEW, when used in conjunction with other techniques, can help build full skin models and enhance skin wound healing.
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BONE
The combination of MEW techniques and hydrogels can produce scaffolds that are biomechanically and structurally suitable for bone resurfacing applications. The scaffolds demonstrated enhanced performance in terms of mechanical stability and the ability to facilitate cellular interactions.
Sample study shows composite scaffold significantly enhances cell viability, metabolic activity, and expression of osteogenic markers compared to PCL-only scaffolds, suggesting its potential application in bone regeneration strategies.
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TENDON & LIGAMENT
Fabricated heterogeneous and hierarchical scaffolds created by combining embroidery and MEW could serve as effective substitutes for tendon and ligament reconstruction, providing a promising direction for tissue engineering applications. In addition, MEW can allow for the tailoring of pore design of embroidered structures to help enhance cell alignment in scaffold-based tendon reconstruction.
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VASCULAR
Research demonstrates the potential of MEW technology to create bioinspired scaffolds that replicate native blood vessel mechanics, enhance cell alignment and ECM deposition, and promote superior vascular regeneration, offering a promising strategy for developing synthetic vascular grafts and advancing tissue engineering solutions for vascular surgery.
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DENTAL
Research illustrates that MEW offers significant benefits in periodontal tissue engineering through highly structured, tissue-specific scaffolds that enhance cell alignment, attachment, and regeneration. Its precision in scaffold design supports functional periodontal restoration, improving treatment outcomes for periodontal disease. As a transformative technology in tissue engineering, MEW holds significant potential for advancing regenerative strategies in dental and craniofacial medicine.
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