Rapid Whole-Plate Cell and Tissue Micropatterning Using a Budget 3D Resin Printer

The ability to precisely pattern cells and proteins is crucial in various scientific disciplines, including cell biology, bioengineering, and materials chemistry. Current techniques, such as microcontact stamping, 3D bioprinting, and direct photopatterning, have limitations in terms of cost, versatility, and throughput. In this Article, we present an accessible approach that combines the throughput of photomask systems with the versatility of programmable light patterning using a low-cost consumer LCD resin printer. The method involves utilizing a bioinert hydrogel, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), and a 405 nm sensitive photoinitiator (LAP) that are selectively cross-linked to form a hydrogel upon light exposure, creating specific regions that are protein and cell-repellent. Our result highlights that a low-cost LCD resin printer can project virtual photomasks onto the hydrogel, allowing for reasonable resolution and large-area printing at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems. The study demonstrates the calibration of exposure times for optimal resolution and accuracy and shape corrections to overcome the inherent challenges of wide-field resin printing. The potential of this approach is validated through widely studied 2D and 3D stem cell applications, showcasing its biocompatibility and ability to replicate complex tissue engineering patterns. We also validate the method with a cell-adhesive polymer (gelatin methacrylate; GelMA). The combination of low cost, high throughput, and accessibility makes this method broadly applicable across fields for enabling rapid and precise fabrication of cells and tissues in standard laboratory culture vessels.