Abstract
We propose a method derived from the traditional Japanese art form of "Origami" (paper folding) to produce entire organs to be utilized for transplantation, such as in kidney and heart transplants. By considering how the 3D structure is formed by bending and folding, we designed a two-dimensional surface diagram made by unfolding and unbending the 3D structure. According to this surface diagram and folding process, a branch structure, capillary networks and a vascular construct were successfully prepared by combination of the technology of cross-linked gel with transglutaminase, Biocompatible Anchor for Membrane (BAM) and microfabrication technique. This novel method will be widely applied for making more complex 3D structures which can not be created by the previous method like simple layering of cell sheets.
