This project aims to develop a method for 3D printing a biomaterial for the expansion and differentiation of cocultured mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells. The development of a 3D printing method will enable controlled topography, surface area, and surface chemistry for biological applications. The 3D printed structure will be used in conjunction with a bioreactor system, to create a fully modular, closed loop, circuit for stem cell expansion.

The combination of 3D printing, coculture, and dynamic fluid flow within the bioreactor recapitulates the microenvironment niche experienced by these cells in vivo. This will increase the ease of expanding these cell populations for tissue engineering applications.