Abstract:

A biocompatible method for general construction of 3D structures by aggregation of micrometric polymeric subunits is presented. Shape-controlled microgels are forced to self-assemble, in a structure similar to a brick wall, in different shapes by limiting their movement onto a surface. Scaffolds with high spatial resolution in the aggregation and composed by the addition of multiple layers are produced.

In the Media:

• CNET: Breakthrough in tissue engineering: ‘Bio-Legos’” (Article)
  Elizabeth Armstrong Moore, 2010
•  New Scientist: ‘Human Lego’ may one day build artificial organs (Article)
  Wendy Wolfson, 2010
•  The New York Times: Micromasonry & Biological Lego (Article)
  Ben Schott, 2010
•  MIT News: Building organs block by block (Article)
  Anne Trafton, 2010