Sequential Micro-assembly of Three Dimensional Biological Microstructures from Two Dimensional Cell-laden Micro-plates

We propose a method of constructing three-dimensional (3D) biological microstructures by a pick-and-place micro-assembly of 2D micro-parts where living cells are loaded. The method includes four elemental techniques: (i) 2D cell-laden micro-plates, (ii) support structures for 3D assembly, (iii) pick-and-place micromanipulation system, (iv) biocompatible micro-gluing in aqueous environments. The advantage of the sequential assembly method is the capability of constructing 3D biological microstructures with targeted cells as well as heterogeneous cells. We demonstrated assembly of 3D microstructures with genetically-labeled cells. We believe our method is useful in constructing 3D cellular microstructures for cell-cell interaction analysis or tissue engineering purposes.