3D Bioprinting Engineered Vascularized Skeletal Muscle Tissue

3D bioprinting of vascularized tissues integrates additive manufacturing and tissue engineering to fabricate high-resolution, three-dimensional constructs. A key aspect of this method is embedding cells within a bioink, which provides structural support while encouraging cellular interaction during printing and subsequent cultivation. Commonly used bioinks are composed of extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived materials, mimicking the native tissue environment. Here, we describe a 3D bioprinting approach utilizing a collagen-fibrin bioink, termed ECM mix. This bioink formulation provides the mechanical strength required for skeletal muscle maturation while leveraging the proangiogenic properties of fibrin to support the formation of vascular networks. Printing is conducted at room temperature, and the constructs are incubated under physiological conditions to support tissue maturation.