This paper presents a new method for automated engineering of 3D human skeletal muscle models using Matrigel 3D bioprinting. The researchers adapted a 24-well plate 3D bioprinting platform with a printhead cooling system to print cell-laden Matrigel containing primary human muscle precursor cells. The resulting mini skeletal muscle models exhibited contractile, striated myofibers. An in vitro exercise model, using electrical pulse stimulation (EPS), induced interleukin-6 myokine expression and Akt hypertrophy pathway activation. Caffeine and Tirasemtiv acutely increased EPS-induced contractile force. This validated human muscle model will benefit the development of drugs against muscle wasting diseases.

Angela Alave Reyes-Furrer, Sonia De Andrade, Dominic Bachmann, Heidi Jeker, Martin Steinmann, Nathalie Accart, Andrew Dunbar, Martin Rausch, Epifania Bono, Markus Rimann, Hansjoerg Keller