Definition: A polysaccharide glucan that is medically used to reduce blood viscosity.

For the paper: Dextran perfusion is based on flowing a dextran solution through the tube/pipe to determine whether it is hollow (allows fluid flow), and transports fluids as expected.

A specific type of perfusion (previously defined) that moves through channels based on motion similar to that of heart pumping blood to the body.

Lab testing relating to pigs

A protein that is involved in angiogenesis activation.

Hydrogels loaded with live cells.

For the paper, this is an appealing option that helps engineering potential tissue constructs with biomimetic structure and function. Cell-laden hydrogel is a promising scaffolding system for engineering artificial bone, cartilage, cardiac and neural tissues.

Staining that is a fluorescence assay (as shown in image on Panel E) which shows cell viability, that is whether the cells are dead or live. The live cells emit green light where the dead cells emit red light.

Whose properties can be changed back and forth by increasing or decreasing temperature.

For the article, specific thermoreversible hydrogels form a gel when cooled and return to a viscous fluid state when exposed to heat.

The passage of blood or fluids through blood vessels or other channels in an organ or tissue.

In this paper, perfusion is needed to sustain healthy tissues and organs.

cells that are on the inner surface of blood vessels

Leaky heart valves. A condition in which the heart valve doesn't close tightly, which allows blood to flow backward in the heart.

Artificial blood vessel structures through which one can flow fluids which nurture cell growth.

Unobstructed (open inside allowing for fluid flow) and has several outlets to be connected to other tubes/pipes, similar to the arteries and veins in our body.

G-code is a language that humans use to tell a machine how to do something. With 3D printing, g-code contains commands to move parts within the printer.

Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) is a 3D imaging technique utilizing X-rays to see inside an object, slice by slice. It is similar to a CT scan, but on a micro-scale. Micro-CT provides high resolution 3D imaging of the interior structure of materials and biological samples without having to cut the samples.

The aortic valve of the human heart typically contains three leaflets or cusps, hence called the tri-leaflet valve. When the valve opens it allows blood to exit the left ventricle into the aorta. Once closed, blood movement stops. In the case of a dysfunction, the tri-leaflet valve is repaired or replaced by a surgery. The technology described in this article provides a promising approach to create artificial implants for these surgeries.

Hydrogels are 3D networks of hydrophilic polymers that can hold a lot of water while still maintaining structure. They resemble tissue structure when scaffolded and can nurture cell growth and vessel formation. Hydrogels can be assembled by chemical processes. In this study, authors used pH-driven assembly (gelation).

Newborn child

Migration of cells into microporous structures.

A semiliquid mixture, typically of fine particles of manure, cement, or coal suspended in water. E,g, cake batter

Heart muscle cells responsible for contracting of the heart.

Scaffolds provide support for tissues and organs in the human body. In this article, the scaffolds are made from collagen, a structural protein used in connective tissues

A network of biological materials surrounding cells throughout the body for protection and support.

The ability of cells to occupy the porous structure in the hydrogel to create a tissue-like structure

Highest amount of force an object can take before deforming.

A scale from 1 to 14 determining how acidic or basic a solution is. 1 is most acidic, 14 is most basic, and 7 is neutral.

Reproducibility of features (size and shape) with 3-D printing

cells removed

Reproducibility of features (size and shape) with 3-D printing

Smallest feature that can be written by 3-D printers.

Production of complex living and non-living products from bio-compatible materials and cells to address medical challenges.

A network of biological materials surrounding cells throughout the body for protection and support.

Tiny devices that mimic the functions of human physiological systems such as organs and tissues.

Occurring or existing at the same time.

A lattice structure is a structure made of crisscross patterns of stripping. A 3D Voronoi lattice is used to help make objects lighter, but stronger.

Muscle tissue in the heart dies and is replaced with scar tissue. Leads to weakened blood flow and irregular heartbeats.

Electrical activity of the heart

Having a physical property that has different values when measured in different directions.

Needed for attachment of actin to Z-lines in skeletal muscle cells.

Human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes

The development of new blood vessels.

Around a blood vessel.

The inside space of the blood vessel.

The arrangement of blood vessels in an organ or tissue.