Fig. 6.
Schematic illustration of microvessel models formed by 3D template printing. (a) A printed 3D network of carbohydrate glass filaments is embedded in a hydrogel matrix. Other cell types, such as fibroblasts or smooth muscle cells can be embedded in the matrix. (b) The template is dissolved to form a perfusable network of cylindrical channels in the ECM. (c) Endothelial cells in suspension are introduced into the network of channels and allowed to adhere and spread to form the endothelium.