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You are researching: Light-Curing
Inducend Pluripotent Stem Cells (IPSCs)
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Cancer Cell Lines
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Tissue and Organ Biofabrication
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- Biomaterials & Bioinks
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- Vascularization
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- Adipose Tissue Engineering
- Trachea Tissue Engineering
- Ocular Tissue Engineering
- Intervertebral Disc (IVD) Tissue Engineering
- Muscle Tissue Engineering
- Liver tissue Engineering
- Cartilage Tissue Engineering
- Bone Tissue Engineering
- BioSensors
- Personalised Pharmaceuticals
- Review Paper
- Printing Technology
- Biomaterial
- Thermoplastics
- Non-cellularized gels/pastes
- Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)
- PEDOT
- Jeffamine
- Polyethylene
- SEBS
- Carbopol
- Epoxy
- poly (ethylene-co -vinyl acetate) (PEVA)
- Poly(itaconate-co-citrate-cooctanediol) (PICO)
- Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)
- Mineral Oil
- poly(octanediol-co-maleic anhydride-co-citrate) (POMaC)
- Poly(Oxazoline)
- Poly(trimethylene carbonate)
- 2-hydroxyethyl) methacrylate (HEMA)
- Zein
- Acrylamide
- Pluronic – Poloxamer
- Polyisobutylene
- Paraffin
- Silicone
- Konjac Gum
- Polyphenylene Oxide
- Ionic Liquids
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
- Gelatin-Sucrose Matrix
- Salt-based
- Chlorella Microalgae
- Acrylates
- Poly(Vinyl Formal)
- 2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate (HEMA)
- Phenylacetylene
- Magnetorheological fluid (MR fluid – MRF)
- Salecan
- Micro/nano-particles
- Biological Molecules
- Bioinks
- Collagen
- Elastin
- Heparin
- Gelatin
- Matrigel
- Gellan Gum
- Methacrylated Chitosan
- Methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HAMA)
- Pectin
- Silk Fibroin
- Pyrogallol
- Xanthan Gum
- Fibrinogen
- Fibrin
- Paeoniflorin
- Fibronectin
- (2-Hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA)
- Methacrylated Collagen (CollMA)
- Carrageenan
- Glucosamine
- Chitosan
- Glycerol
- Poly(glycidol)
- Alginate
- Agarose
- Gelatin-Methacryloyl (GelMA)
- methacrylated chondroitin sulfate (CSMA)
- Cellulose
- Novogel
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Peptide gel
- Methacrylated Silk Fibroin
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG) based
- α-Bioink
- Ceramics
- Decellularized Extracellular Matrix (dECM)
- Metals
- Solid Dosage Drugs
- Bioprinting Technologies
- Bioprinting Applications
- Cell Type
- Stem Cells
- Spheroids
- Meniscus Cells
- Synoviocytes
- Keratinocytes
- Skeletal Muscle-Derived Cells (SkMDCs)
- Neurons
- Macrophages
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- Endothelial
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- Melanocytes
- Retinal
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- Embrionic Kidney (HEK)
- Corneal Stromal Cells
- Fibroblasts
- β cells
- Myoblasts
- Pericytes
- Hepatocytes
- Cancer Cell Lines
- Bacteria
- Articular cartilage progenitor cells (ACPCs)
- Tenocytes
- Osteoblasts
- Monocytes
- Mesothelial cells
- Epithelial
- Neutrophils
- Adipocytes
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs)
- Organoids
- Institution
- ETH Zurich
- Hallym University
- Nanjing Medical University
- University of Bordeaux
- Innsbruck University
- Nanyang Technological University
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE)
- KU Leuven
- Politecnico di Torino
- Utrecht Medical Center (UMC)
- Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute
- Queen Mary University
- Veterans Administration Medical Center
- University of Manchester
- University of Bucharest
- Royal Free Hospital
- Hong Kong University
- University of Barcelona
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- University of Nottingham
- University of Geneva
- SINTEF
- Rice University
- Trinity College
- Novartis
- University of Central Florida
- Hefei University
- Chalmers University of Technology
- Karlsruhe institute of technology
- University of Freiburg
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland
- AO Research Institute (ARI)
- Shanghai University
- Univerity of Hong Kong
- University of Toronto
- Brown University
- University of Wurzburg
- Technical University of Dresden
- University of Nantes
- Montreal University
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)
- University of Michigan – School of Dentistry
- Myiongji University
- Harbin Institute of Technology
- University of Amsterdam
- University of Tel Aviv
- University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland
- Anhui Polytechnic
- Bayreuth University
- Aschaffenburg University
- University of Michigan, Biointerfaces Institute
- Abu Dhabi University
- Jiao Tong University
- Ghent University
- Chiao Tung University
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute
- University of Sheffield
- National University of Singapore
- CIC biomaGUNE
- Kaohsiung Medical University
- DTU – Technical University of Denmark
- Adolphe Merkle Institute Fribourg
- Halle-Wittenberg University
- Baylor College of Medicine
- INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
- Innotere
- L'Oreal
- Tiangong University
AUTHOR
Title
Convergence of melt electrowriting and extrusion-based bioprinting for vascular patterning of a myocardial construct
[Abstract]
Year
2023
Journal/Proceedings
Biofabrication
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractTo progress cardiac tissue engineering strategies closer to the clinic, thicker constructs are required to meet the functional need following a cardiac event. Consequently, pre-vascularization of these constructs needs to be investigated to ensure survival and optimal performance of implantable engineered heart tissue. The aim of this research is to investigate the potential of combining extrusion-based bioprinting (EBB) and melt electrowriting for the fabrication of a myocardial construct with a precisely patterned pre-vascular pathway. Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) was investigated as a base hydrogel for the respective myocardial and vascular bioinks with collagen, Matrigel and fibrinogen as interpenetrating polymers to support myocardial functionality. Subsequently, extrusion-based printability and viability were investigated to determine the optimal processing parameters for printing into melt electrowritten meshes. Finally, an anatomically inspired vascular pathway was implemented in a dual EBB set-up into melt electrowritten meshes, creating a patterned pre-vascularized myocardial construct. It was determined that a blend of 5% GelMA and 0.8 mg·ml−1 collagen with a low crosslinked density was optimal for myocardial cellular arrangement and alignment within the constructs. For the vascular fraction, the optimized formulation consisted of 5% GelMA, 0.8 mg·ml−1 collagen and 1 mg·ml−1 fibrinogen with a higher crosslinked density, which led to enhanced vascular cell connectivity. Printability assessment confirmed that the optimized bioinks could effectively fill the microfiber mesh while supporting cell viability (∼70%). Finally, the two bioinks were applied using a dual EBB system for the fabrication of a pre-vascular pathway with the shape of a left anterior descending artery within a myocardial construct, whereby the distinct cell populations could be visualized in their respective patterns up to D14. This research investigated the first step towards developing a thick engineered cardiac tissue construct in which a pre-vascularization pathway is fabricated within a myocardial construct.
AUTHOR
Title
Shaping Synthetic Multicellular and Complex Multimaterial Tissues via Embedded Extrusion-Volumetric Printing of Microgels
[Abstract]
Year
2023
Journal/Proceedings
Advanced Materials
Reftype
Groups
AbstractAbstract In living tissues, cells express their functions following complex signals from their surrounding microenvironment. Capturing both hierarchical architectures at the micro- and macroscale, and anisotropic cell patterning remains a major challenge in bioprinting, and a bottleneck towards creating physiologically-relevant models. Addressing this limitation, we introduced a novel technique, termed Embedded Extrusion-Volumetric Printing (EmVP), converging extrusion-bioprinting and layer-less, ultra-fast volumetric bioprinting, allowing to spatially pattern multiple inks/cell types. Light-responsive microgels were developed for the first time as bioresins (μResins) for light-based volumetric bioprinting, providing a microporous environment permissive for cell homing and self-organization. Tuning the mechanical and optical properties of gelatin-based microparticles enables their use as support bath for suspended extrusion printing, in which features containing high cell densities can be easily introduced. μResins can be sculpted within seconds with tomographic light projections into centimetre-scale, granular hydrogel-based, convoluted constructs. Interstitial microvoids enhanced differentiation of multiple stem/progenitor cells (vascular, mesenchymal, neural), otherwise not possible with conventional bulk hydrogels. As proof-of-concept, EmVP was applied to create complex synthetic biology-inspired intercellular communication models, where adipocyte differentiation is regulated by optogenetic-engineered pancreatic cells. Overall, EmVP offers new avenues for producing regenerative grafts with biological functionality, and for developing engineered living systems and (metabolic) disease models. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
AUTHOR
Title
3D bioprinted, vascularized neuroblastoma tumor environment in fluidic chip devices for precision medicine drug testing
[Abstract]
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
Biofabrication
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractNeuroblastoma is an extracranial solid tumor which develops in early childhood and still has a poor prognosis. One strategy to increase cure rates is the identification of patient-specific drug responses in tissue models that mimic the interaction between patient cancer cells and tumor environment. We therefore developed a perfused and micro-vascularized tumor-environment model that is directly bioprinted into custom-manufactured fluidic chips. A gelatin-methacrylate/fibrin-based matrix containing multiple cell types mimics the tumor-microenvironment that promotes spontaneous micro-vessel formation by embedded endothelial cells. We demonstrate that both, adipocyte- and iPSC-derived mesenchymal stem cells can guide this process. Bioprinted channels are coated with endothelial cells post printing to form a dense vessel - tissue barrier. The tissue model thereby mimics structure and function of human soft tissue with endothelial cell-coated larger vessels for perfusion and micro-vessel networks within the hydrogel-matrix. Patient-derived neuroblastoma spheroids are added to the matrix during the printing process and grown for more than two weeks. We demonstrate that micro-vessels are attracted by and grow into tumor spheroids and that neuroblastoma cells invade the tumor-environment as soon as the spheroids disrupt. In summary, we describe the first bioprinted, micro-vascularized neuroblastoma – tumor-environment model directly printed into fluidic chips and a novel medium-throughput biofabrication platform suitable for studying tumor angiogenesis and metastasis in precision medicine approaches in future.
AUTHOR
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
Macromolecular Bioscience
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractAbstract There is a need for long-lived hepatic in vitro models to better predict drug induced liver injury (DILI). Human liver-derived epithelial organoids are a promising cell source for advanced in vitro models. Here, organoid technology is combined with biofabrication techniques, which holds great potential for the design of in vitro models with complex and customizable architectures. Here, porous constructs with human hepatocyte-like cells derived from organoids are generated using extrusion-based printing technology. Cell viability of bioprinted organoids remains stable for up to ten days (88–107% cell viability compared to the day of printing). The expression of hepatic markers, transporters, and phase I enzymes increased compared to undifferentiated controls, and is comparable to non-printed controls. Exposure to acetaminophen, a well-known hepatotoxic compound, decreases cell viability of bioprinted liver organoids to 21–51% (p < 0.05) compared to the start of exposure, and elevated levels of damage marker miR-122 are observed in the culture medium, indicating the potential use of the bioprinted constructs for toxicity testing. In conclusion, human liver-derived epithelial organoids can be combined with a biofabrication approach, thereby paving the way to create perfusable, complex constructs which can be used as toxicology- and disease-models.
AUTHOR
Title
High-throughput fabrication of vascularized adipose microtissues for 3D bioprinting
[Abstract]
Year
2020
Journal/Proceedings
Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractAbstract For patients with soft tissue defects, repair with autologous in vitro engineered adipose tissue could be a promising alternative to current surgical therapies. A volume-persistent engineered adipose tissue construct under in vivo conditions can only be achieved by early vascularization after transplantation. The combination of 3D bioprinting technology with self-assembling microvascularized units as building blocks can potentially answer the need for a microvascular network. In the present study, co-culture spheroids combining adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were created with an ideal geometry for bioprinting. When applying the favourable seeding technique and condition, compact viable spheroids were obtained, demonstrating high adipogenic differentiation and capillary-like network formation after 7 and 14 days of culture, as shown by live/dead analysis, immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR. Moreover, we were able to successfully 3D bioprint the encapsulated spheroids, resulting in compact viable spheroids presenting capillary-like structures, lipid droplets and spheroid outgrowth after 14 days of culture. This is the first study that generates viable high-throughput (pre-)vascularized adipose microtissues as building blocks for bioprinting applications using a novel ASC/HUVEC co-culture spheroid model, which enables both adipogenic differentiation while simultaneously supporting the formation of prevascular-like structures within engineered tissues in vitro.
AUTHOR
Title
Melt electrowriting onto anatomically relevant biodegradable substrates: Resurfacing a diarthrodial joint
[Abstract]
Year
2020
Journal/Proceedings
Materials & Design
Reftype
Groups
AbstractThree-dimensional printed hydrogel constructs with well-organized melt electrowritten (MEW) fibre-reinforcing scaffolds have been demonstrated as a promising regenerative approach to treat small cartilage defects. Here, we investige how to translate the fabrication of small fibre-reinforced structures on flat surfaces to anatomically relevant structures. In particular, the accurate deposition of MEW-fibres onto curved surfaces of conductive and non-conductive regenerative biomaterials is studied. This study reveals that clinically relevant materials with low conductivities are compatible with resurfacing with organized MEW fibres. Importantly, accurate patterning on non-flat surfaces was successfully shown, provided that a constant electrical field strength and an electrical force normal to the substrate material is maintained. Furthermore, the application of resurfacing the geometry of the medial human femoral condyle is confirmed by the fabrication of a personalised osteochondral implant. The implant composed of an articular cartilage-resident chondroprogenitor cells (ACPCs)-laden hydrogel reinforced with a well-organized MEW scaffold retained its personalised shape, improved its compressive properties and supported neocartilage formation after 28 days in vitro culture. Overall, this study establishes the groundwork for translating MEW from planar and non-resorbable material substrates to anatomically relevant geometries and regenerative materials that the regenerative medicine field aims to create.
AUTHOR
Title
Biofabrication of spatially organised tissues by directing the growth of cellular spheroids within 3D printed polymeric microchambers
[Abstract]
Year
2019
Journal/Proceedings
Biomaterials
Reftype
Groups
AbstractSuccessful tissue engineering requires the generation of human scale implants that mimic the structure, composition and mechanical properties of native tissues. Here, we report a novel biofabrication strategy that enables the engineering of structurally organised tissues by guiding the growth of cellular spheroids within arrays of 3D printed polymeric microchambers. With the goal of engineering stratified articular cartilage, inkjet bioprinting was used to deposit defined numbers of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and chondrocytes into pre-printed microchambers. These jetted cell suspensions rapidly underwent condensation within the hydrophobic microchambers, leading to the formation of organised arrays of cellular spheroids. The microchambers were also designed to provide boundary conditions to these spheroids, guiding their growth and eventual fusion, leading to the development of stratified cartilage tissue with a depth-dependant collagen fiber architecture that mimicked the structure of native articular cartilage. Furthermore, the composition and biomechanical properties of the bioprinted cartilage was also comparable to the native tissue. Using multi-tool biofabrication, we were also able to engineer anatomically accurate, human scale, osteochondral templates by printing this microchamber system on top of a hypertrophic cartilage region designed to support endochondral bone formation and then maintaining the entire construct in long-term bioreactor culture to enhance tissue development. This bioprinting strategy provides a versatile and scalable approach to engineer structurally organised cartilage tissues for joint resurfacing applications.
AUTHOR
Title
A Novel Microplate 3D Bioprinting Platform for the Engineering of Muscle and Tendon Tissues
[Abstract]
Year
2018
Journal/Proceedings
SLAS TECHNOLOGY: Translating Life Sciences Innovation
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractTwo-dimensional (2D) cell cultures do not reflect the in vivo situation, and thus it is important to develop predictive three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models with enhanced reliability and robustness for drug screening applications. Treatments against muscle-related diseases are becoming more prominent due to the growth of the aging population worldwide. In this study, we describe a novel drug screening platform with automated production of 3D musculoskeletal-tendon-like tissues. With 3D bioprinting, alternating layers of photo-polymerized gelatin-methacryloyl-based bioink and cell suspension tissue models were produced in a dumbbell shape onto novel postholder cell culture inserts in 24-well plates. Monocultures of human primary skeletal muscle cells and rat tenocytes were printed around and between the posts. The cells showed high viability in culture and good tissue differentiation, based on marker gene and protein expressions. Different printing patterns of bioink and cells were explored and calcium signaling with Fluo4-loaded cells while electrically stimulated was shown. Finally, controlled co-printing of tenocytes and myoblasts around and between the posts, respectively, was demonstrated followed by co-culture and co-differentiation. This screening platform combining 3D bioprinting with a novel microplate represents a promising tool to address musculoskeletal diseases.
AUTHOR
Title
Simultaneous Micropatterning of Fibrous Meshes and Bioinks for the Fabrication of Living Tissue Constructs
[Abstract]
Year
2018
Journal/Proceedings
Advanced Healthcare Materials
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractAbstract Fabrication of biomimetic tissues holds much promise for the regeneration of cells or organs that are lost or damaged due to injury or disease. To enable the generation of complex, multicellular tissues on demand, the ability to design and incorporate different materials and cell types needs to be improved. Two techniques are combined: extrusion-based bioprinting, which enables printing of cell-encapsulated hydrogels; and melt electrowriting (MEW), which enables fabrication of aligned (sub)-micrometer fibers into a single-step biofabrication process. Composite structures generated by infusion of MEW fiber structures with hydrogels have resulted in mechanically and biologically competent constructs; however, their preparation involves a two-step fabrication procedure that limits freedom of design of microfiber architectures and the use of multiple materials and cell types. How convergence of MEW and extrusion-based bioprinting allows fabrication of mechanically stable constructs with the spatial distributions of different cell types without compromising cell viability and chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells is demonstrated for the first time. Moreover, this converged printing approach improves freedom of design of the MEW fibers, enabling 3D fiber deposition. This is an important step toward biofabrication of voluminous and complex hierarchical structures that can better resemble the characteristics of functional biological tissues.
AUTHOR
Title
Fluidic integrated 3D bioprinting system to sustain cell viability towards larynx fabrication
[Abstract]
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
Bioengineering & Translational Medicine
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractAbstract Herein, we report the first study to create a three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted artificial larynx for whole-laryngeal replacement. Our 3D bio-printed larynx was generated using extrusion-based 3D bioprinter with rabbit's chondrocyte-laden gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/glycidyl-methacrylated hyaluronic acid (GMHA) hybrid bioink. We used a polycaprolactone (PCL) outer framework incorporated with pores to achieve the structural strength of printed constructs, as well as to provide a suitable microenvironment to support printed cells. Notably, we established a novel fluidics supply (FS) system that simultaneously supplies basal medium together with a 3D bioprinting process, thereby improving cell survival during the printing process. Our results showed that the FS system enhanced post-printing cell viability, which enabled the generation of a large-scale cell-laden artificial laryngeal framework. Additionally, the incorporation of the PCL outer framework with pores and inner hydrogel provides structural stability and sufficient nutrient/oxygen transport. An animal study confirmed that the transplanted 3D bio-larynx successfully maintained the airway. With further development, our new strategy holds great potential for fabricating human-scale larynxes with in vivo-like biological functions for laryngectomy patients.
AUTHOR
Title
High-throughput production of liver parenchymal microtissues and enrichment of organ-specific functions in gelatin methacrylamide microenvironment
[Abstract]
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractAbstract Liver parenchymal microtissues (LPMTs) are three-dimensional (3D) aggregates of hepatocytes that recapitulate in vivo-like cellular assembly. They are considered as a valuable model to study drug metabolism, disease biology, and serve as ideal building blocks for liver tissue engineering. However, their integration into the mainstream drug screening process has been hindered due to the lack of simple, rapid techniques to produce a large number of uniform microtissues and preserve their structural–functional integrity over the long term. Here, we present a high-throughput methodology to produce LPMTs in a novel, economic, and reusable Hanging-drop Culture Chamber (HdCC). A drop-on-demand bioprinting approach was optimized to generate droplets of HepG2 cell suspension on a polyethylene terephthalate substrate. The substrates carrying droplets were placed inside a novel HdCC and incubated to obtain 1600 LPMTs having a size of 200–300 μm. Tissue size, cell viability, cellular arrangement and polarity, and insulin-mediated glucose uptake by LPMTs were analyzed. The microtissues were viable and exhibited an active response to insulin stimulation. Cells within the microtissue reorganized to form hepatic plate-like structures and expressed apical (Multidrug Resistance Protein 2 [MRP2]) and epithelial (Zonula Occludens 1 [ZO1]) markers. Further to maintain the structural integrity and enhance the functional capabilities, LPMTs were sandwiched within gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA) hydrogel and the liver-specific functions were monitored for 2 weeks. The results showed that the 3D structure of LPMTs in GelMA sandwich was maintained while the albumin secretion, urea synthesis, and cytochrome P450 activity were enhanced compared with LPMTs in suspension. In conclusion, this study presents a novel culture chamber for mass production of microtissues and a method for enhancing organ-specific functions of LPMTs in vitro.
AUTHOR
Title
3D-printable photocurable bioink for cartilage regeneration of tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells
[Abstract]
Year
2020
Journal/Proceedings
Additive Manufacturing
Reftype
Groups
AbstractCartilage regeneration is challenging because of the poor intrinsic self-repair capacity of avascular tissue. Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has gained significant attention in the field of tissue engineering and is a promising technology to overcome current difficulties in cartilage regeneration. Although bioink is an essential component of bioprinting technology, several challenges remain in satisfying different requirements for ideal bioink, including biocompatibility and printability based on specific biological requirements. Gelatin and hyaluronic acid (HA) have been shown to be ideal biomimetic hydrogel sources for cartilage regeneration. However, controlling their structure, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and degradation rate for cartilage repair remains a challenge. Here, we show a photocurable bioink created by hybridization of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and glycidyl-methacrylated HA (GMHA) for material extrusion 3D bioprinting in cartilage regeneration. GelMA and GMHA were mixed in various ratios, and the mixture of 7% GelMA and 5% GMHA bioink (G7H5) demonstrated the most reliable mechanical properties, rheological properties, and printability. This G7H5 bioink allowed us to build a highly complex larynx structure, including the hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, arytenoid cartilage, and cervical trachea. This bioink also provided an excellent microenvironment for chondrogenesis of tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs) in vitro and in vivo. In summary, this study presents the ideal formulation of GelMA/GMHA hybrid bioink to generate a well-suited photocurable bioink for cartilage regeneration of TMSCs using a material extrusion bioprinter, and could be applied to cartilage tissue engineering.
AUTHOR
Title
Bioprinting predifferentiated adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell spheroids with methacrylated gelatin ink for adipose tissue engineering
[Abstract]
Year
2020
Journal/Proceedings
Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine
Reftype
Colle2020
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractThe increasing number of mastectomies results in a greater demand for breast reconstruction characterized by simplicity and a low complication profile. Reconstructive surgeons are investigating tissue engineering (TE) strategies to overcome the current surgical drawbacks. 3D bioprinting is the rising technique for the fabrication of large tissue constructs which provides a potential solution for unmet clinical needs in breast reconstruction building on decades of experience in autologous fat grafting, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ASC) biology and TE. A scaffold was bioprinted using encapsulated ASC spheroids in methacrylated gelatin ink (GelMA). Uniform ASC spheroids with an ideal geometry and diameter for bioprinting were formed, using a high-throughput non-adhesive agarose microwell system. ASC spheroids in adipogenic differentiation medium (ADM) were evaluated through live/dead staining, histology (HE, Oil Red O), TEM and RT-qPCR. Viable spheroids were obtained for up to 14 days post-printing and showed multilocular microvacuoles and successful differentiation toward mature adipocytes shown by gene expression analysis. Moreover, spheroids were able to assemble at random in GelMA, creating a macrotissue. Combining the advantage of microtissues to self-assemble and the controlled organization by bioprinting technologies, these ASC spheroids can be useful as building blocks for the engineering of soft tissue implants.
AUTHOR
Title
3D printed microchannel networks to direct vascularisation during endochondral bone repair
[Abstract]
Year
2018
Journal/Proceedings
Biomaterials
Reftype
Groups
AbstractBone tissue engineering strategies that recapitulate the developmental process of endochondral ossification offer a promising route to bone repair. Clinical translation of such endochondral tissue engineering strategies will require overcoming a number of challenges, including the engineering of large and often anatomically complex cartilage grafts, as well as the persistence of core regions of avascular cartilage following their implantation into large bone defects. Here 3D printing technology is utilized to develop a versatile and scalable approach to guide vascularisation during endochondral bone repair. First, a sacrificial pluronic ink was used to 3D print interconnected microchannel networks in a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) laden gelatin-methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel. These constructs (with and without microchannels) were next chondrogenically primed in vitro and then implanted into critically sized femoral bone defects in rats. The solid and microchanneled cartilage templates enhanced bone repair compared to untreated controls, with the solid cartilage templates (without microchannels) supporting the highest levels of total bone formation. However, the inclusion of 3D printed microchannels was found to promote osteoclast/immune cell invasion, hydrogel degradation, and vascularisation following implantation. In addition, the endochondral bone tissue engineering strategy was found to support comparable levels of bone healing to BMP-2 delivery, whilst promoting lower levels of heterotopic bone formation, with the microchanneled templates supporting the lowest levels of heterotopic bone formation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that 3D printed hypertrophic cartilage grafts represent a promising approach for the repair of complex bone fractures, particularly for larger defects where vascularisation will be a key challenge.
AUTHOR
Year
2020
Journal/Proceedings
Advanced Science
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractAbstract Hydrogels are excellent mimetics of mammalian extracellular matrices and have found widespread use in tissue engineering. Nanoporosity of monolithic bulk hydrogels, however, limits mass transport of key biomolecules. Microgels used in 3D bioprinting achieve both custom shape and vastly improved permissivity to an array of cell functions, however spherical-microbead-based bioinks are challenging to upscale, are inherently isotropic, and require secondary crosslinking. Here, bioinks based on high-aspect-ratio hydrogel microstrands are introduced to overcome these limitations. Pre-crosslinked, bulk hydrogels are deconstructed into microstrands by sizing through a grid with apertures of 40–100 µm. The microstrands are moldable and form a porous, entangled structure, stable in aqueous medium without further crosslinking. Entangled microstrands have rheological properties characteristic of excellent bioinks for extrusion bioprinting. Furthermore, individual microstrands align during extrusion and facilitate the alignment of myotubes. Cells can be placed either inside or outside the hydrogel phase with >90% viability. Chondrocytes co-printed with the microstrands deposit abundant extracellular matrix, resulting in a modulus increase from 2.7 to 780.2 kPa after 6 weeks of culture. This powerful approach to deconstruct bulk hydrogels into advanced bioinks is both scalable and versatile, representing an important toolbox for 3D bioprinting of architected hydrogels.
AUTHOR
Title
Controllable Ceramic Green-Body Configuration for Complex Ceramic Architectures with Fine Features
[Abstract]
Year
2019
Journal/Proceedings
Advanced Functional Materials
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractAbstract Fabrication of dense ceramic articles with intricate fine features and geometrically complex morphology by using a relatively simple and the cost-effective process still remains a challenge. Ceramics, either in its green- or sintered-form, are known for being hard yet brittle which limits further shape reconfiguration. In this work, a combinatorial process of ceramic robocasting and photopolymerization is demonstrated to produce either flexible and/or stretchable ceramic green-body (Flex-Body or Stretch-Body) that can undergo a postprinting reconfiguration process. Secondary shaping may proceed through: i) self-assembly-assisted shaping and ii) mold-assisted shaping process, which allows a well-controlled ceramic structure morphology. With a proposed well-controlled thermal heating process, the ceramic Sintered-Body can achieve >99.0% theoretical density with good mechanical rigidity. Complex and dense ceramic articles with fine features down to 65 μm can be fabricated. When combined with a multi-nozzle deposition process, i) self-shaping ceramic structures can be realized through anisotropic shrinkage induced by suspensions' composition variation and ii) technical and functional multiceramic structures can be fabricated. The simplicity of the proposed technique and its inexpensive processing cost make it an attractive approach for fabricating geometrically complex ceramic articles with unique macrostructures, which complements the existing state of-the-art ceramic additive manufacturing techniques.
AUTHOR
Year
2018
Journal/Proceedings
Nature Communications
Reftype
Schaffner2018
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractSoft actuation allows robots to interact safely with humans, other machines, and their surroundings. Full exploitation of the potential of soft actuators has, however, been hindered by the lack of simple manufacturing routes to generate multimaterial parts with intricate shapes and architectures. Here, we report a 3D printing platform for the seamless digital fabrication of pneumatic silicone actuators exhibiting programmable bioinspired architectures and motions. The actuators comprise an elastomeric body whose surface is decorated with reinforcing stripes at a well-defined lead angle. Similar to the fibrous architectures found in muscular hydrostats, the lead angle can be altered to achieve elongation, contraction, or twisting motions. Using a quantitative model based on lamination theory, we establish design principles for the digital fabrication of silicone-based soft actuators whose functional response is programmed within the material's properties and architecture. Exploring such programmability enables 3D printing of a broad range of soft morphing structures.
AUTHOR
Title
3D bioprinted functional skeletal muscle models have potential applications for studies of muscle wasting in cancer cachexia
[Abstract]
Year
2023
Journal/Proceedings
Biomaterials Advances
Reftype
Groups
AbstractAcquired muscle diseases such as cancer cachexia are responsible for the poor prognosis of many patients suffering from cancer. In vitro models are needed to study the underlying mechanisms of those pathologies. Extrusion bioprinting is an emerging tool to emulate the aligned architecture of fibers while implementing additive manufacturing techniques in tissue engineering. However, designing bioinks that reconcile the rheological needs of bioprinting and the biological requirements of muscle tissue is a challenging matter. Here we formulate a biomaterial with dual crosslinking to modulate the physical properties of bioprinted models. We design 3D bioprinted muscle models that resemble the mechanical properties of native tissue and show improved proliferation and high maturation of differentiated myotubes suggesting that the GelMA-AlgMA-Fibrin biomaterial possesses myogenic properties. The electrical stimulation of the 3D model confirmed the contractile capability of the tissue and enhanced the formation of sarcomeres. Regarding the functionality of the models, they served as platforms to recapitulate skeletal muscle diseases such as muscle wasting produced by cancer cachexia. The genetic expression of 3D models demonstrated a better resemblance to the muscular biopsies of cachectic mouse models. Altogether, this biomaterial is aimed to fabricate manipulable skeletal muscle in vitro models in a non-costly, fast and feasible manner.
AUTHOR
Title
3D bioprinting of biocompatible photosensitive polymers for tissue engineering application
[Abstract]
Year
2023
Journal/Proceedings
Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
AbstractThree-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, or additive manufacturing, is a rapid fabrication technique with the foremost objective of creating biomimetic tissue and organ replacements in hopes of restoring normal tissue function and structure. Generating the engineered organs with an infrastructure that is similar to that of the real organs can be beneficial to simulate the functional organs that work inside our bodies. Photopolymerization-based 3D bioprinting, or photocuring, has emerged as a promising method in engineering biomimetic tissues due to its simplicity, non-invasive, and spatially controllable approach. In this review, we investigated types of 3D printers, mainstream materials, photoinitiators, phototoxicity, and selected tissue engineering applications of 3D photopolymerization bioprinting.
AUTHOR
Title
3D bioprinting of cell-laden nano-attapulgite/gelatin methacrylate composite hydrogel scaffolds for bone tissue repair
[Abstract]
Year
2023
Journal/Proceedings
Journal of Materials Science & Technology
Reftype
Groups
AbstractBone tissue engineering (BTE) has proven to be a promising strategy for bone defect repair. Due to its excellent biological properties, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels have been used as bioinks for 3D bioprinting in some BTE studies to produce scaffolds for bone regeneration. However, applications for load-bearing defects are limited by poor mechanical properties and a lack of bioactivity. In this study, 3D printing technology was used to create nano-attapulgite (nano-ATP)/GelMA composite hydrogels loaded into mouse bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and mouse umbilical vein endothelial cells (MUVECs). The bioprintability, physicochemical properties, and mechanical properties were all thoroughly evaluated. Our findings showed that nano-ATP groups outperform the control group in terms of printability, indicating that nano-ATP is beneficial for printability. Additionally, after incorporation with nano-ATP, the mechanical strength of the composite hydrogels was significantly improved, resulting in adequate mechanical properties for bone regeneration. The presence of nano-ATP in the scaffolds has also been studied for cell-material interactions. The findings show that cells within the scaffold not only have high viability but also a clear proclivity to promote osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Besides, the MUVECs-loaded composite hydrogels demonstrated increased angiogenic activity. A cranial defect model was also developed to evaluate the bone repair capability of scaffolds loaded with rat BMSCs. According to histological analysis, cell-laden nano-ATP composite hydrogels can effectively improve bone regeneration and promote angiogenesis. This study demonstrated the potential of nano-ATP for bone tissue engineering, which should also increase the clinical practicality of nano-ATP.
AUTHOR
Title
3D double-reinforced graphene oxide – nanocellulose biomaterial inks for tissue engineered constructs
[Abstract]
Year
2023
Journal/Proceedings
RSC Adv.
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractThe advent of improved fabrication technologies{,} particularly 3D printing{,} has enabled the engineering of bone tissue for patient-specific healing and the fabrication of in vitro tissue models for ex vivo testing. However{,} inks made from natural polymers often fall short in terms of mechanical strength{,} stability{,} and the induction of osteogenesis. Our research focused on developing novel printable formulations using a gelatin/pectin polymeric matrix that integrate synergistic reinforcement components i.e. graphene oxide (GO) and oxidized nanocellulose fibers (CNF). Using 3D printing technology and the aforementioned biomaterial composite inks{,} bone-like scaffolds were created. To simulate critical-sized flaws and demonstrate scaffold fidelity{,} 3D scaffolds were successfully printed using formulations with varied GO concentrations (0.25{,} 0.5{,} and 1% wt with respect to polymer content). The addition of GO to hydrogel inks enhanced not only the compressive modulus but also the printability and scaffold fidelity compared to the pure colloid-gelatin/pectin system. Due to its strong potential for 3D bioprinting{,} the sample containing 0.5% GO is shown to have the greatest perspectives for bone tissue models and tissue engineering applications.
AUTHOR
Year
2023
Journal/Proceedings
Annals of 3D Printed Medicine
Reftype
Groups
AbstractA novel 3D-printed glucose sensor is presented for cell culture application. Glucose sensing was performed using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based assay principle based on ConA and dextran. Both molecules are encapsulated in alginate microspheres and embedded in the UV-curable, stable hydrogel polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The rheology of the formulation was adapted to obtain good properties for an extrusion-based printing process. The printed sensor structures were tested for their ability to detect glucose in vitro. A proportional increase in fluorescence intensity was observed in a concentration range of 0 - 2 g/L glucose. Tests with HEK cell cultures also showed good cell compatibility and excellent adhesion properties on plasma-treated Petri dishes. The printed sensors were able to detect the glucose decay associated with the metabolic activities of the fast-growing HEK cells in the cell culture medium over ten days. The proof-of-principle study shows that metabolic processes in cell cultures can be monitored with the new printed sensor using a standard fluorescence wide-field microscope.
AUTHOR
Title
Electrospun/3D-Printed Bicomponent Scaffold Co-Loaded with a Prodrug and a Drug with Antibacterial and Immunomodulatory Properties
[Abstract]
Year
2023
Journal/Proceedings
Polymers
Reftype
Groups
AbstractThis work reports the construction of a bicomponent scaffold co-loaded with both a prodrug and a drug (BiFp@Ht) as an efficient platform for wound dressing, by combining the electrospinning and 3D-printing technologies. The outer component consisted of a chitosan/polyethylene oxide-electrospun membrane loaded with the indomethacin–polyethylene glycol–indomethacin prodrug (Fp) and served as a support for printing the inner component, a gelatin methacryloyl/sodium alginate hydrogel loaded with tetracycline hydrochloride (Ht). The different architectural characteristics of the electrospun and 3D-printed layers were very well highlighted in a morphological analysis performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In vitro release profile studies demonstrated that both Fp and Ht layers were capable to release the loaded therapeutics in a controlled and sustained manner. According to a quantitative in vitro biological assessment, the bicomponent BiFp@Ht scaffold showed a good biocompatibility and no cytotoxic effect on HeLa cell cultures, while the highest proliferation level was noted in the case of HeLa cells seeded onto an Fp nanofibrous membrane. Furthermore, the BiFp@Ht scaffold presented an excellent antimicrobial activity against the E. coli and S. aureus bacterial strains, along with promising anti-inflammatory and proangiogenic activities, proving its potential to be used for wound dressing.
AUTHOR
Title
Hyaluronic acid-based bioink improves the differentiation and network formation of neural progenitor cells
[Abstract]
Year
2023
Journal/Proceedings
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractIntroduction: Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a promising technique for the development of neuronal in vitro models because it controls the deposition of materials and cells. Finding a biomaterial that supports neural differentiation in vitro while ensuring compatibility with the technique of 3D bioprinting of a self-standing construct is a challenge.Methods: In this study, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), methacrylated alginate (AlgMA), and hyaluronic acid (HA) were examined by exploiting their biocompatibility and tunable mechanical properties to resemble the extracellular matrix (ECM) and to create a suitable material for printing neural progenitor cells (NPCs), supporting their long-term differentiation. NPCs were printed and differentiated for up to 15 days, and cell viability and neuronal differentiation markers were assessed throughout the culture.Results and Discussion: This composite biomaterial presented the desired physical properties to mimic the ECM of the brain with high water intake, low stiffness, and slow degradation while allowing the printing of defined structures. The viability rates were maintained at approximately 80% at all time points. However, the levels of β-III tubulin marker increased over time, demonstrating the compatibility of this biomaterial with neuronal cell culture and differentiation. Furthermore, these cells showed increased maturation with corresponding functional properties, which was also demonstrated by the formation of a neuronal network that was observed by recording spontaneous activity via Ca2+ imaging.
AUTHOR
Year
2023
Journal/Proceedings
Applied Sciences
Reftype
Groups
Abstract(1) Background: Synovial tissue plays a fundamental role in inflammatory processes. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms regulating healthy and diseased synovium functions, as in rheumatic diseases, is crucial to discovering more effective therapies to minimize or prevent pathological progress. The present study aimed at developing a bioartificial synovial tissue as an in vitro model for drug screening or personalized medicine applications using 3D bioprinting technology. (2) Methods: The volumetric extrusion technique has been used to fabricate cell-laden scaffolds. Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA), widely applied in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, was selected as a bioink and combined with an immortalized cell line of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (K4IM). (3) Results: Three different GelMA formulations, 7.5–10–12.5% w/v, were tested for the fabrication of the scaffold with the desired morphology and internal architecture. GelMA 10% w/v was chosen and combined with K4IM cells to fabricate scaffolds that showed high cell viability and negligible cytotoxicity for up to 14 days tested by Live & Dead and lactate dehydrogenase assays. (4) Conclusions: We successfully 3D bioprinted synoviocytes-laden scaffolds as a proof-of-concept (PoC) towards the fabrication of a 3D synovial membrane model suitable for in vitro studies. However, further research is needed to reproduce the complexity of the synovial microenvironment to better mimic the physiological condition.
AUTHOR
Title
Load-induced fluid pressurisation in hydrogel systems before and after reinforcement by melt-electrowritten fibrous meshes
[Abstract]
Year
2023
Journal/Proceedings
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
Reftype
Groups
AbstractFluid pressure develops transiently within mechanically-loaded, cell-embedding hydrogels, but its magnitude depends on the intrinsic material properties of the hydrogel and cannot be easily altered. The recently developed melt-electrowriting (MEW) technique enables three-dimensional printing of structured fibrous mesh with small fibre diameter (20 μm). The MEW mesh with 20 μm fibre diameter can synergistically increase the instantaneous mechanical stiffness of soft hydrogels. However, the reinforcing mechanism of the MEW meshes is not well understood, and may involve load-induced fluid pressurisation. Here, we examined the reinforcing effect of MEW meshes in three hydrogels: gelatin methcryloyl (GelMA), agarose and alginate, and the role of load-induced fluid pressurisation in the MEW reinforcement. We tested the hydrogels with and without MEW mesh (i.e., hydrogel alone, and MEW-hydrogel composite) using micro-indentation and unconfined compression, and analysed the mechanical data using biphasic Hertz and mixture models. We found that the MEW mesh altered the tension-to-compression modulus ratio differently for hydrogels that are cross-linked differently, which led to a variable change to their load-induced fluid pressurisation. MEW meshes only enhanced the fluid pressurisation for GelMA, but not for agarose or alginate. We speculate that only covalently cross-linked hydrogels (GelMA) can effectively tense the MEW meshes, thereby enhancing the fluid pressure developed during compressive loading. In conclusion, load-induced fluid pressurisation in selected hydrogels was enhanced by MEW fibrous mesh, and may be controlled by MEW mesh of different designs in the future, thereby making fluid pressure a tunable cell growth stimulus for tissue engineering involving mechanical stimulation.
AUTHOR
Title
Structure and Properties of Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) Synthesized in Different Reaction Systems
[Abstract]
Year
2023
Journal/Proceedings
Biomacromolecules
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractGelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels have been extensively used for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications due to their good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and controllable photocurable efficiency. Phosphate buffer solution (PBS) is the most widely used reaction system for GelMA synthesis. However, carbonate-bicarbonate buffer solution (CBS) has been tried recently for synthesizing GelMA due to its high reaction efficiency. However, there is a lack of systematic investigation into possible differences in the structure and properties of GelMA synthesized in PBS and CBS, respectively. Therefore, in the current study, GelMA molecules with two degrees of methacryloylation (∼20 and ∼80%) were synthesized under PBS and CBS reaction systems, respectively, in comparable conditions. The results showed that because of the functionalization of methacrylate groups in gelatin chains, which could interfere with the intrachain and interchain interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, the GelMA molecules synthesized in PBS had distinct physical structures and exhibited different properties in comparison with those produced in CBS. GelMA hydrogels synthesized in PBS exhibited higher gel-sol transition temperatures and better photocurable efficiencies, mechanical strength, and biological properties. In contrast, GelMA hydrogels produced in CBS showed advantages in swelling performance and microstructures, such as pore sizes and porosities. In addition, GelMA synthesized in PBS and possessing a high degree of methacryloylation (the “GelMA-PH” polymer) showed great potential for three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting. This focused study has gained helpful new insights into GelMA and can provide guidance on the application of GelMA in 3D printing and tissue engineering.
AUTHOR
Title
3D Printed Composite Scaffolds of GelMA and Hydroxyapatite Nanopowders Doped with Mg/Zn Ions to Evaluate the Expression of Genes and Proteins of Osteogenic Markers
[Abstract]
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
Nanomaterials
Reftype
Groups
AbstractAs bone diseases and defects are constantly increasing, the improvement of bone regeneration techniques is constantly evolving. The main purpose of this scientific study was to obtain and investigate biomaterials that can be used in tissue engineering. In this respect, nanocomposite inks of GelMA modified with hydroxyapatite (HA) substituted with Mg and Zn were developed. Using a 3D bioprinting technique, scaffolds with varying shapes and dimensions were obtained. The following analyses were used in order to study the nanocomposite materials and scaffolds obtained by the 3D printing technique: Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT). The swelling and dissolvability of each scaffold were also studied. Biological studies, osteopontin (OPN), and osterix (OSX) gene expression evaluations were confirmed at the protein levels, using immunofluorescence coupled with confocal microscopy. These findings suggest the positive effect of magnesium and zinc on the osteogenic differentiation process. OSX fluorescent staining also confirmed the capacity of GelMA-HM5 and GelMA-HZ5 to support osteogenesis, especially of the magnesium enriched scaffold.
AUTHOR
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
Advanced Materials Technologies
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractAbstract 4D Biofabrication – a pioneering biofabrication technique – involves the automated fabrication of 3D constructs that are dynamic and show shape-transformation capability. Although current 4D biofabrication methods are highly promising for the fabrication of vascular elements such as tubes, the fabrication of tubular junctions is still highly challenging. Here, for the first time, a 4D biofabrication-based concept for the fabrication of a T-shaped vascular bifurcation using 3D printed shape-changing layers based on a mathematical model is reported. The formation of tubular structures with various diameters is achieved by precisely controlling the parameters (e.g. crosslinking time). Consequently, the 3D printed films show self-transformation into a T-junction upon immersion in water with a diameter of a few millimeters. Perfusion of the tubular T-junction with an aqueous medium simulating blood flow through vessels shows minimal leakages with a maximum flow velocity of 0.11 m s–1. Furthermore, human umbilical vein endothelial cells seeded on the inner surface of the plain T-junction show outstanding growth properties and excellent cell viability. The achieved diameters are comparable to the native blood vessels, which is still a challenge in 3D biofabrication. This approach paves the way for the fabrication of fully automatic self-actuated vascular bifurcations as vascular grafts.
AUTHOR
Title
Bioprinting Decellularized Breast Tissue for the Development of Three-Dimensional Breast Cancer Models
[Abstract]
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractThe tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a vital role in tumor progression and drug resistance. Previous studies have shown that breast tissue-derived matrices could be an important biomaterial to recreate the complexity of the tumor ECM. We have developed a method for decellularizing and delipidating a porcine breast tissue (TDM) compatible with hydrogel formation. The addition of gelatin methacrylamide and alginate allows this TDM to be bioprinted by itself with good printability, shape fidelity, and cytocompatibility. Furthermore, this bioink has been tuned to more closely recreate the breast tumor by incorporating collagen type I (Col1). Breast cancer cells (BCCs) proliferate in both TDM bioinks forming cell clusters and spheroids. The addition of Col1 improves the printability of the bioink as well as increases BCC proliferation and reduces doxorubicin sensitivity due to a downregulation of HSP90. TDM bioinks also allow a precise three-dimensional printing of scaffolds containing BCCs and stromal cells and could be used to fabricate artificial tumors. Taken together, we have proven that these novel bioinks are good candidates for biofabricating breast cancer models.
AUTHOR
Title
Controlled Release of Epigenetically-Enhanced Extracellular Vesicles from a GelMA/Nanoclay Composite Hydrogel to Promote Bone Repair
[Abstract]
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Reftype
Groups
AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) have garnered growing attention as promising acellular tools for bone repair. Although EVs’ potential for bone regeneration has been shown, issues associated with their therapeutic potency and short half-life in vivo hinders their clinical utility. Epigenetic reprogramming with the histone deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin A (TSA) has been reported to promote the osteoinductive potency of osteoblast-derived EVs. Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels functionalised with the synthetic nanoclay laponite (LAP) have been shown to effectively bind, stabilise, and improve the retention of bioactive factors. This study investigated the potential of utilising a GelMA-LAP hydrogel to improve local retention and control delivery of epigenetically enhanced osteoblast-derived EVs as a novel bone repair strategy. LAP was found to elicit a dose-dependent increase in GelMA compressive modulus and shear-thinning properties. Incorporation of the nanoclay was also found to enhance shape fidelity when 3D printed compared to LAP-free gels. Interestingly, GelMA hydrogels containing LAP displayed increased mineralisation capacity (1.41-fold) (p ≤ 0.01) over 14 days. EV release kinetics from these nanocomposite systems were also strongly influenced by LAP concentration with significantly more vesicles being released from GelMA constructs as detected by a CD63 ELISA (p ≤ 0.001). EVs derived from TSA-treated osteoblasts (TSA-EVs) enhanced proliferation (1.09-fold), migration (1.83-fold), histone acetylation (1.32-fold) and mineralisation (1.87-fold) of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) when released from the GelMA-LAP hydrogel compared to the untreated EV gels (p ≤ 0.01). Importantly, the TSA-EV functionalised GelMA-LAP hydrogel significantly promoted encapsulated hBMSCs extracellular matrix collagen production (≥1.3-fold) and mineralisation (≥1.78-fold) in a dose-dependent manner compared to untreated EV constructs (p ≤ 0.001). Taken together, these findings demonstrate the potential of combining epigenetically enhanced osteoblast-derived EVs with a nanocomposite photocurable hydrogel to promote the therapeutic efficacy of acellular vesicle approaches for bone regeneration.
AUTHOR
Title
Deferoxamine/magnesium modified β-tricalcium phosphate promotes the bone regeneration in osteoporotic rats
[Abstract]
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
Journal of Biomaterials Applications
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractRecently, Deferoxamine (DFO) and magnesium (Mg) have been identified as critical factors for angiogenesis and bone formation. However, in current research studies, there is a lack of focus on whether DFO plus Mg can affect the regeneration of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) in osteoporosis and through what biological mechanisms. Therefore, the present work was aimed to preparation and evaluate the effect of Deferoxamine/magnesium modified β-tricalcium phosphate promotes (DFO/Mg-TCP) in ovariectomized rats model and preliminary exploration of possible mechanisms. The MC3T3-E1 cells were co-cultured with the exudate of DFO/Mg-TCP and induced to osteogenesis, and the cell viability, osteogenic activity were observed by Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin Red Staining (RES) and Western Blot. In vitro experiments, CCK-8, ALP and ARS staining results show that the mineralization and osteogenic activity of MC3T3-E1increased significantly after intervention by DFO/Mg-TCP, as well as a higher levels of protein expressions including VEGF, OC, Runx-2 and HIF-1α. In vivo experiment, Micro-CT and Histological analysis evaluation show that DFO/Mg-TCP treatment presented the stronger effect on bone regeneration, bone mineralization and biomaterial degradation, when compared with OVX+Mg-TCP group and OVX+TCP group, as well as a higher VEGF, OC, Runx-2 and HIF-1α gene expression. The present study indicates that treatment with DFO/Mg-TCP was associated with increased regeneration by enhancing the function of osteoblasts in an OVX rat.
AUTHOR
Title
Functional Skeletal Muscle Regeneration Using Muscle Mimetic Tissue Fabricated by Microvalve-Assisted Coaxial 3D Bioprinting
[Abstract]
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
Advanced Healthcare Materials
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractAbstract 3D-printed artificial skeletal muscle, which mimics the structural and functional characteristics of native skeletal muscle, is a promising treatment method for muscle reconstruction. Although various fabrication techniques for skeletal muscle using 3D bio-printers are studied, it is still challenging to build a functional muscle structure. A strategy using microvalve-assisted coaxial 3D bioprinting in consideration of functional skeletal muscle fabrication is reported. The unit (artificial muscle fascicle: AMF) of muscle mimetic tissue is composed of a core filled with medium-based C2C12 myoblast aggregates as a role of muscle fibers and a photo cross-linkable hydrogel-based shell as a role of connective tissue in muscles that enhances printability and cell adhesion and proliferation. Especially, a microvalve system is applied for the core part with even cell distribution and strong cell–cell interaction. This system enhances myotube formation and consequently shows spontaneous contraction. A multi-printed AMF (artificial muscle tissue: AMT) as a piece of muscle is implanted into the anterior tibia (TA) muscle defect site of immunocompromised rats. As a result, the TA-implanted AMT responds to electrical stimulation and represents histologically regenerated muscle tissue. This microvalve-assisted coaxial 3D bioprinting shows a significant step forward to mimicking native skeletal muscle tissue.
AUTHOR
Title
High Throughput Omnidirectional Printing of Tubular Microstructures from Elastomeric Polymers
[Abstract]
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
Advanced Healthcare Materials
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractAbstract Bioelastomers have been extensively used in biomedical applications due to their desirable mechanical strength, tunable properties, and chemical versatility; however, 3D printing bioelastomers into microscale structures has proven elusive. Herein, a high throughput omnidirectional printing approach via coaxial extrusion is described that fabricated perfusable elastomeric microtubes of unprecedently small inner diameter (350-550 μm) and wall thickness (40-60 μm). The versatility of this approach was shown through the printing of two different polymeric elastomers, followed by photocrosslinking and removal of the fugitive inner phase. Designed experiments were used to tune the dimensions and stiffness of the microtubes to match that of native ex vivo rat vasculature. This approach afforded the fabrication of multiple biomimetic shapes resembling cochlea and kidney glomerulus and afforded facile, high-throughput generation of perfusable structures that can be seeded with endothelial cells for biomedical applications. Post-printing laser micromachining was performed to generate numerous micro-sized holes (5-20 μm) in the tube wall to tune microstructure permeability. Importantly, for organ-on-a-chip applications, the described approach took only 3.6 minutes to print microtubes (without microholes) over an entire 96-well plate device, in contrast to comparable hole-free structures that take between 1.5 to 6.5 days to fabricate using a manual 3D stamping approach. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
AUTHOR
Title
Human gelatin-based composite hydrogels for osteochondral tissue engineering and their adaptation into bioinks for extrusion, inkjet, and digital light processing bioprinting
[Abstract]
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
Biofabrication
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractThe investigation of novel hydrogel systems allows for the study of relationships between biomaterials, cells, and other factors within osteochondral tissue engineering. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a popular research method that can allow for further interrogation of these questions via the fabrication of 3D hydrogel environments that mimic tissue-specific, complex architectures. However, the adaptation of promising hydrogel biomaterial systems into 3D-printable bioinks remains a challenge. Here, we delineated an approach to that process. First, we characterized a novel methacryloylated gelatin composite hydrogel system and assessed how calcium phosphate and glycosaminoglycan additives upregulated bone- and cartilage-like matrix deposition and certain genetic markers of differentiation within human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), such as RUNX2 and SOX9. Then, new assays were developed and utilized to study the effects of xanthan gum and nanofibrillated cellulose, which allowed for cohesive fiber deposition, reliable droplet formation, and non-fracturing digital light processing (DLP)-printed constructs within extrusion, inkjet, and DLP techniques, respectively. Finally, these bioinks were used to 3D print constructs containing viable encapsulated hMSCs over a 7 d period, where DLP printed constructs facilitated the highest observed increase in cell number over 7 d (∼2.4×). The results presented here describe the promotion of osteochondral phenotypes via these novel composite hydrogel formulations, establish their ability to bioprint viable, cell-encapsulating constructs using three different 3D printing methods on multiple bioprinters, and document how a library of modular bioink additives affected those physicochemical properties important to printability.
AUTHOR
Title
Infiltration from Suspension Systems Enables Effective Modulation of 3D Scaffold Properties in Suspension Bioprinting
[Abstract]
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractBioprinting is a biofabrication technology which allows efficient and large-scale manufacture of 3D cell culture systems. However, the available biomaterials for bioinks used in bioprinting are limited by their printability and biological functionality. Fabricated constructs are often homogeneous and have limited complexity in terms of current 3D cell culture systems comprising multiple cell types. Inspired by the phenomenon that hydrogels can exchange liquids under the infiltration action, infiltration-induced suspension bioprinting (IISBP), a novel printing technique based on a hyaluronic acid (HA) suspension system to modulate the properties of the printed scaffolds by infiltration action, was described in this study. HA served as a suspension system due to its shear-thinning and self-healing rheological properties, simplicity of preparation, reusability, and ease of adjustment to osmotic pressure. Changes in osmotic pressure were able to direct the swelling or shrinkage of 3D printed gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based bioinks, enabling the regulation of physical properties such as fiber diameter, micromorphology, mechanical strength, and water absorption of 3D printed scaffolds. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were applied as a cell culture model and printed within cell-laden scaffolds at high resolution and cell viability with the IISBP technique. Herein, the IISBP technique had been realized as a reliable hydrogel-based bioprinting technique, which enabled facile modulation of 3D printed hydrogel scaffolds properties, being expected to meet the scaffolds requirements of a wide range of cell culture conditions to be utilized in bioprinting applications.
AUTHOR
Title
Low temperature hybrid 3D printing of hierarchically porous bone tissue engineering scaffolds with in situ delivery of osteogenic peptide and mesenchymal stem cells
[Abstract]
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
Biofabrication
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractCompared to other conventional scaffold fabrication techniques, three-dimensional (3D) printing is advantageous in producing bone tissue engineering scaffolds with customized shape, tailored pore size/porosity, required mechanical properties and even desirable biomolecule delivery capability. However, for scaffolds with a large volume, it is highly difficult to get seeded cells to migrate to the central region of the scaffolds, resulting in an inhomogeneous cell distribution and therefore lowering the bone forming ability. To overcome this major obstacle, in this study, cell-laden bone tissue engineering scaffolds consisting of osteogenic peptide (OP) loaded β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) (OP/TCP/PLGA, designated as OTP) nanocomposite struts and rat bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell (rBMSC)-laden gelatin/GelMA hydrogel rods were produced through ‘dual-nozzle’ low temperature hybrid 3D printing. The cell-laden scaffolds exhibited a bi-phasic structure and had a mechanical modulus of about 19.6 MPa, which was similar to that of human cancellous bone. OP can be released from the hybrid scaffolds in a sustained manner and achieved a cumulative release level of about 78% after 24 d. rBMSCs encapsulated in the hydrogel rods exhibited a cell viability of about 87.4% right after low temperature hybrid 3D printing and could be released from the hydrogel rods to achieve cell anchorage on the surface of adjacent OTP struts. The OP released from OTP struts enhanced rBMSCs proliferation. Compared to rBMSC-laden hybrid scaffolds without OP incorporation, the rBMSC-laden hybrid scaffolds incorporated with OP significantly up-regulated osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs by showing a higher level of alkaline phosphatase expression and calcium deposition. This ‘proof-of-concept’ study has provided a facile method to form cell-laden bone tissue engineering scaffolds with not only required mechanical strength, biomimetic structure and sustained biomolecule release profile but also excellent cell delivery capability with uniform cell distribution, which can improve the bone forming ability in the body.
AUTHOR
Title
Magnetic resonance imaging as a tool for quality control in extrusion-based bioprinting
[Abstract]
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
Biotechnology Journal
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractAbstract Bioprinting is gaining importance for the manufacturing of tailor-made hydrogel scaffolds in tissue engineering, pharmaceutical research and cell therapy. However, structure fidelity and geometric deviations of printed objects heavily influence mass transport and process reproducibility. Fast, three-dimensional and nondestructive quality control methods will be decisive for the approval in larger studies or industry. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) meets these requirements for characterizing heterogeneous soft materials with different properties. Complementary to the idea of decentralized 3D printing, magnetic resonance tomography is common in medicine, and image data processing tools can be transferred system-independently. In this study, a MRI measurement and image analysis protocol was evaluated to jointly assess the reproducibility of three different hydrogels and a reference material. Critical parameters for object quality, namely porosity, hole areas and deviations along the height of the scaffolds are discussed. Geometric deviations could be correlated to specific process parameters, anomalies of the ink or changes of ambient conditions. This strategy allows the systematic investigation of complex 3D objects as well as an implementation as a process control tool. Combined with the monitoring of metadata this approach might pave the way for future industrial applications of 3D printing in the field of biopharmaceutics.
AUTHOR
Title
Methacrylated Silk Fibroin Additive Manufacturing of Shape Memory Constructs with Possible Application in Bone Regeneration
[Abstract]
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
Gels
Reftype
Groups
AbstractMethacrylated silk (Sil-MA) is a chemically modified silk fibroin specifically designed to be crosslinkable under UV light, which makes this material applicable in additive manufacturing techniques and allows the prototyping and development of patient-specific 2D or 3D constructs. In this study, we produced a thin grid structure based on crosslinked Sil-MA that can be withdrawn and ejected and that can recover its shape after rehydration. A complete chemical and physical characterization of Sil-MA was first conducted. Additionally, we tested Sil-MA biocompatibility according to the International Standard Organization protocols (ISO 10993) ensuring the possibility of using it in future trials. Sil-MA was also tested to verify its ability to support osteogenesis. Overall, Sil-MA was shown to be biocompatible and osteoconductive. Finally, two different additive manufacturing technologies, a Digital Light Processing (DLP) UV projector and a pneumatic extrusion technique, were used to develop a Sil-MA grid construct. A proof-of-concept of its shape-memory property was provided. Together, our data support the hypothesis that Sil-MA grid constructs can be injectable and applicable in bone regeneration applications.
AUTHOR
Title
Pre-culture of human mesenchymal stromal cells in spheroids facilitates chondrogenesis at a low total cell count upon embedding in biomaterials to generate cartilage microtissues
[Abstract]
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
Acta Biomaterialia
Reftype
Groups
AbstractMaterial-assisted cartilage tissue engineering has limited application in cartilage treatment due to hypertrophic tissue formation and high cell counts required. This study aimed at investigating the potential of human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) spheroids embedded in biomaterials to study the effect of biomaterial composition on cell differentiation. Pre-cultured (3 days, chondrogenic differentiation media) spheroids (250 cells/spheroid) were embedded in tyramine-modified hyaluronic acid (THA) and collagen type I (Col) composite hydrogels (four combinations of THA (12.5 vs 16.7 mg/ml) and Col (2.5 vs 1.7 mg/ml) content) at a cell density of 5 × 106 cells/ml (2 × 104 spheroids/ml). Macropellets derived from single hMSCs (2.5 × 105 cells, ScMP) or hMSC spheroids (2.5 × 105 cells, 103 spheroids, SpMP) served as control. hMSC differentiation was analyzed using glycosaminoglycan (GAG) quantification, gene expression analysis and (immuno-)histology. Embedding of hMSC spheroids in THA-Col induced chondrogenic differentiation marked by upregulation of aggrecan (ACAN) and COL2A1, and the production of GAGs . Lower THA led to more pronounced chondrogenic phenotype compared to higher THA content. Col content had no significant influence on hMSC chondrogenesis. Pellet cultures showed an upregulation in chondrogenic-associated genes and production of GAGs with less upregulation of hypertrophic-associated genes in SpMP culture compared to ScMP group. This study presents hMSC pre-culture in spheroids as promising approach to study chondrogenic differentiation after biomaterial encapsulation at low total cell count (5 × 106/ml) without compromising chondrogenic matrix production. This approach can be applied to assemble microtissues in biomaterials to generate large cartilage construct. Statement of significance In vitro studies investigating the chondrogenic potential of biomaterials are limited due to the low cell-cell contact of encapsulated single cells. Here, we introduce the use of pre-cultured hMSC spheroids to study chondrogenesis upon encapsulation in a biomaterial. The use of spheroids takes advantage of the high cell-cell contact within each spheroid being critical in the early chondrogenesis of hMSCs. At a low seeding density of 5·106 cells/ml (2 × 104 spheroids/ml) we demonstrated hMSC chondrogenesis and cartilaginous matrix deposition. Our results indicate that the pre-culture might have a beneficial effect on hypertrophic gene expression without compromising chondrogenic differentiation. This approach has shown potential to assemble microtissues (here spheroids) in biomaterials to generate large cartilage constructs and to study the effect of biomaterial composition on cell alignment and migration.
AUTHOR
Title
Radical scavenging gelatin methacrylamide based bioink formulation for three dimensional bioprinting of parenchymal liver construct
[Abstract]
Year
2022
Journal/Proceedings
Bioprinting
Reftype
Groups
AbstractMethacrylated gelatin (GelMA) in the form of methacryloyl, methacrylate, and methacrylamide is an established and widely accepted photocrosslinkable bioink, for three dimensional bioprinting of various tissues. One of the limitations of photocrosslinkable bioinks is the inability to control the free radicals generated by photoinitiators and ultraviolet (UV) rays. The presence of excess free radicals compromises the viability and functionality of cells during crosslinking. In this study, ascorbic acid, a known free radical scavenger (FRS) molecule, was introduced into the GelMA bioink formulation to protect the cell viability, proliferation, and tissue functions of 3D bioprinted parenchymal liver constructs. The concentration of FRS in the bioink was optimized and used for 3D bioprinting of HepG2 cells. The results confirmed that the inclusion of 3.4 mM FRS in the GelMA bioink formulation nullified the excess ROS formed inside the cells. Furthermore, the optimized GelMA formulation containing FRS preserved and improved the cell activity, albumin, and urea synthesis in the 3D construct over 7 days in culture. In the future, this concept could be implemented in the biofabrication of large liver constructs that require multiple or longer durations of UV irradiation.
AUTHOR
Title
3D Bioprinting of Biosynthetic Nanocellulose-Filled GelMA Inks Highly Reliable for Soft Tissue-Oriented Constructs
[Abstract]
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
Materials
Reftype
Groups
AbstractBioink-formulations based on gelatin methacrylate combined with oxidized cellulose nanofibrils are employed in the present study. The parallel investigation of the printing performance, morphological, swelling, and biological properties of the newly developed hydrogels was performed, with inks prepared using methacrylamide-modified gelatins of fish or bovine origin. Scaffolds with versatile and well-defined internal structure and high shape fidelity were successfully printed due to the high viscosity and shear-thinning behavior of formulated inks and then photo-crosslinked. The biocompatibility of 3D-scaffolds was surveyed using human adipose stem cells (hASCs) and high viability and proliferation rates were obtained when in contact with the biomaterial. Furthermore, bioprinting tests were performed with hASCs embedded in the developed formulations. The results demonstrated that the designed inks are a versatile toolkit for 3D bioprinting and further show the benefits of using fish-derived gelatin for biofabrication.
AUTHOR
Title
3D Bioprinting of prevascularised implants for the repair of critically-sized bone defects
[Abstract]
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
Acta Biomaterialia
Reftype
Groups
AbstractFor 3D bioprinted tissues to be scaled-up to clinically relevant sizes, effective prevascularisation strategies are required to provide the necessary nutrients for normal metabolism and to remove associated waste by-products. The aim of this study was to develop a bioprinting strategy to engineer prevascularised tissues in vitro and to investigate the capacity of such constructs to enhance the vascularisation and regeneration of large bone defects in vivo. From a screen of different bioinks, a fibrin-based hydrogel was found to best support human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) sprouting and the establishment of a microvessel network. When this bioink was combined with HUVECs and supporting human bone marrow stem/stromal cells (hBMSCs), these microvessel networks persisted in vitro. Furthermore, only bioprinted tissues containing both HUVECs and hBMSCs, that were first allowed to mature in vitro, supported robust blood vessel development in vivo. To assess the therapeutic utility of this bioprinting strategy, these bioinks were used to prevascularise 3D printed polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds, which were subsequently implanted into critically-sized femoral bone defects in rats. Microcomputed tomography (µCT) angiography revealed increased levels of vascularisation in vivo, which correlated with higher levels of new bone formation. Such prevascularised constructs could be used to enhance the vascularisation of a range of large tissue defects, forming the basis of multiple new bioprinted therapeutics. Statement of Significance This paper demonstrates a versatile 3D bioprinting technique to improve the vascularisation of tissue engineered constructs and further demonstrates how this method can be incorporated into a bone tissue engineering strategy to improve vascularisation in a rat femoral defect model.
AUTHOR
Title
3D-Printed Gelatin Methacryloyl-Based Scaffolds with Potential Application in Tissue Engineering
[Abstract]
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
Polymers
Reftype
Groups
AbstractThe development of materials for 3D printing adapted for tissue engineering represents one of the main concerns nowadays. Our aim was to obtain suitable 3D-printed scaffolds based on methacrylated gelatin (GelMA). In this respect, three degrees of GelMA methacrylation, three different concentrations of GelMA (10%, 20%, and 30%), and also two concentrations of photoinitiator (I-2959) (0.5% and 1%) were explored to develop proper GelMA hydrogel ink formulations to be used in the 3D printing process. Afterward, all these GelMA hydrogel-based inks/3D-printed scaffolds were characterized structurally, mechanically, and morphologically. The presence of methacryloyl groups bounded to the surface of GelMA was confirmed by FTIR and 1H-NMR analyses. The methacrylation degree influenced the value of the isoelectric point that decreased with the GelMA methacrylation degree. A greater concentration of photoinitiator influenced the hydrophilicity of the polymer as proved using contact angle and swelling studies because of the new bonds resulting after the photocrosslinking stage. According to the mechanical tests, better mechanical properties were obtained in the presence of the 1% initiator. Circular dichroism analyses demonstrated that the secondary structure of gelatin remained unaffected during the methacrylation process, thus being suitable for biological applications.
AUTHOR
Title
Affinity-bound growth factor within sulfated interpenetrate network bioinks for bioprinting cartilaginous tissues
[Abstract]
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
Acta Biomaterialia
Reftype
Groups
Abstract3D bioprinting has emerged as a promising technology in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to its ability to create anatomically complex tissue substitutes. However, it still remains challenging to develop bioactive bioinks that provide appropriate and permissive environments to instruct and guide the regenerative process in vitro and in vivo. In this study alginate sulfate, a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) mimic, was used to functionalize an alginate-gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) interpenetrating network (IPN) bioink to enable the bioprinting of cartilaginous tissues. The inclusion of alginate sulfate had a limited influence on the viscosity, shear-thinning and thixotropic properties of the IPN bioink, enabling high-fidelity bioprinting and supporting mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) viability post-printing. The stiffness of printed IPN constructs greatly exceeded that achieved by printing alginate or GelMA alone, while maintaining resilience and toughness. Furthermore, given the high affinity of alginate sulfate to heparin-binding growth factors, the sulfated IPN bioink supported the sustained release of transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3), providing an environment that supported robust chondrogenesis in vitro, with little evidence of hypertrophy or mineralization over extended culture periods. Such bioprinted constructs also supported chondrogenesis in vivo, with the controlled release of TGF-β3 promoting significantly higher levels of cartilage-specific extracellular matrix deposition. Altogether, these results demonstrate the potential of bioprinting sulfated bioinks as part of a ‘single-stage’ or ‘point-of-care’ strategy for regenerating cartilaginous tissues. Statement of Significance: This study highlights the potential of using sulfated interpenetrating network (IPN) bioink to support the regeneration of phenotypically stable articular cartilage. Construction of interpenetrate networks in the bioink enables unique high-fidelity bioprinting and unique synergistic mechanical properties. The presence of alginate sulfate provided the capacity of high affinity-binding of TGF-β3, which promoted robust chondrogenesis.
AUTHOR
Title
An image analysis-based workflow for 3D bioprinting of anatomically realistic retinal vascular patterns
[Abstract]
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
Bioprinting
Reftype
Groups
AbstractThere is an enduring need for vascularization of bioprinted constructs with vascular networks optimized for distribution of nutrient-containing fluids, both for in vitro applications and in vivo implantation. However, most of the efforts in this field were directed so far towards generation of simple linear channels, often lined with endothelial cells only, and thus lacking the anatomical details of real vascular networks. To start addressing this need, here we explored the possibility of using actual vascular patterns derived from human ocular fundus for instructing the 3D printing activity. In order to assign to these patterns the organ-specific topology, and eventually vessel branch-defined cellular composition, we describe the use of the branching analysis program VESGEN 2D for planning a workflow that links the primary vascular images with their 3D printing with bioinks. To this end, we show how to process flat vascular images and, for an even more realistic representation, how to retro-engineer concave retinal patterns from flat images and to print them in a supporting hydrogel. This work opens the possibility of bioprinting more anatomically realistic vascular networks, and thus to eventually improve the vascularization of living tissue-engineered constructs.
AUTHOR
Title
An image analysis-based workflow for 3D bioprinting of anatomically realistic retinal vascular patterns
[Abstract]
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
Bioprinting
Reftype
Groups
AbstractThere is an enduring need for vascularization of bioprinted constructs with vascular networks optimized for distribution of nutrient-containing fluids, both for in vitro applications and in vivo implantation. However, most of the efforts in this field were directed so far towards generation of simple linear channels, often lined with endothelial cells only, and thus lacking the anatomical details of real vascular networks. To start addressing this need, here we explored the possibility of using actual vascular patterns derived from human ocular fundus for instructing the 3D printing activity. In order to assign to these patterns the organ-specific topology, and eventually vessel branch-defined cellular composition, we describe the use of the branching analysis program VESGEN 2D for planning a workflow that links the primary vascular images with their 3D printing with bioinks. To this end, we show how to process flat vascular images and, for an even more realistic representation, how to retro-engineer concave retinal patterns from flat images and to print them in a supporting hydrogel. This work opens the possibility of bioprinting more anatomically realistic vascular networks, and thus to eventually improve the vascularization of living tissue-engineered constructs.
AUTHOR
Title
An image analysis-based workflow for 3D bioprinting of anatomically realistic retinal vascular patterns
[Abstract]
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
Bioprinting
Reftype
Groups
AbstractThere is an enduring need for vascularization of bioprinted constructs with vascular networks optimized for distribution of nutrient-containing fluids, both for in vitro applications and in vivo implantation. However, most of the efforts in this field were directed so far towards generation of simple linear channels, often lined with endothelial cells only, and thus lacking the anatomical details of real vascular networks. To start addressing this need, here we explored the possibility of using actual vascular patterns derived from human ocular fundus for instructing the 3D printing activity. In order to assign to these patterns the organ-specific topology, and eventually vessel branch-defined cellular composition, we describe the use of the branching analysis program VESGEN 2D for planning a workflow that links the primary vascular images with their 3D printing with bioinks. To this end, we show how to process flat vascular images and, for an even more realistic representation, how to retro-engineer concave retinal patterns from flat images and to print them in a supporting hydrogel. This work opens the possibility of bioprinting more anatomically realistic vascular networks, and thus to eventually improve the vascularization of living tissue-engineered constructs.
AUTHOR
Title
An image analysis-based workflow for 3D bioprinting of anatomically realistic retinal vascular patterns
[Abstract]
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
Bioprinting
Reftype
Groups
AbstractThere is an enduring need for vascularization of bioprinted constructs with vascular networks optimized for distribution of nutrient-containing fluids, both for in vitro applications and in vivo implantation. However, most of the efforts in this field were directed so far towards generation of simple linear channels, often lined with endothelial cells only, and thus lacking the anatomical details of real vascular networks. To start addressing this need, here we explored the possibility of using actual vascular patterns derived from human ocular fundus for instructing the 3D printing activity. In order to assign to these patterns the organ-specific topology, and eventually vessel branch-defined cellular composition, we describe the use of the branching analysis program VESGEN 2D for planning a workflow that links the primary vascular images with their 3D printing with bioinks. To this end, we show how to process flat vascular images and, for an even more realistic representation, how to retro-engineer concave retinal patterns from flat images and to print them in a supporting hydrogel. This work opens the possibility of bioprinting more anatomically realistic vascular networks, and thus to eventually improve the vascularization of living tissue-engineered constructs.
AUTHOR
Title
An Imidazolium-Based Supramolecular Gelator Enhancing Interlayer Adhesion in 3D Printed Dual Network Hydrogels
[Abstract]
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
Materials & Design
Reftype
Groups
AbstractThe variety of UV-curable monomers for 3D printing is limited by a requirement for rapid curing after each sweep depositing a layer. This study proposes to trigger supramolecular self-assembly during the process by a gemini imidazolium-based low-molecular-weight gelator, allowing printing of certain monomers. The as-printed hydrogel structures were supported by a gelator network immobilising monomer:water solutions. A thixotropic hydrogel was formed with a recovery time of < 50 seconds, storage modulus = 8.1 kPa and yield stress = 18 Pa, processable using material-extrusion 3D printing. Material-extrusion 3D printed objects are usually highly anisotropic, but in this case the gelator network improved the isotropy by subverting the usual layer-by-layer curing strategy. The monomer in all printed layers was cured simultaneously during post-processing to form a continuous polymeric network. The two networks then physically interpenetrate to enhance mechanical performance. The double-network hydrogels fabricated with layers cured simultaneously showed 62-147 % increases in tensile properties compared to layer-by-layer cured hydrogels. The results demonstrated excellent inter- and intra-layered coalescence. Consequently, the tensile properties of 3D printed hydrogels were close to mould cast objects. This study has demonstrated the benefits of using gelators to expand the variety of 3D printable monomers and shown improved isotropy to offer excellent mechanical performances.
AUTHOR
Title
Assessment of Naturally Sourced Mineral Clays for the 3D Printing of Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposite Inks
[Abstract]
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
Nanomaterials
Reftype
Groups
AbstractThe present study investigated the possibility of obtaining 3D printed composite constructs using biomaterial-based nanocomposite inks. The biopolymeric matrix consisted of methacrylated gelatin (GelMA). Several types of nanoclay were added as the inorganic component. Our aim was to investigate the influence of clay type on the rheological behavior of ink formulations and to determine the morphological and structural properties of the resulting crosslinked hydrogel-based nanomaterials. Moreover, through the inclusion of nanoclays, our goal was to improve the printability and shape fidelity of nanocomposite scaffolds. The viscosity of all ink formulations was greater in the presence of inorganic nanoparticles as shear thinning occurred with increased shear rate. Hydrogel nanocomposites presented predominantly elastic rather than viscous behavior as the materials were crosslinked which led to improved mechanical properties. The inclusion of nanoclays in the biopolymeric matrix limited hydrogel swelling due the physical barrier effect but also because of the supplementary crosslinks induced by the clay layers. The distribution of inorganic filler within the GelMA-based hydrogels led to higher porosities as a consequence of their interaction with the biopolymeric ink. The present study could be useful for the development of soft nanomaterials foreseen for the additive manufacturing of customized implants for tissue engineering.
AUTHOR
Title
Development of an Ultrastretchable Double-Network Hydrogel for Flexible Strain Sensors
[Abstract]
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractThe weak mechanical properties of hydrogels due to the inefficient dissipation of energy in the intrinsic structures limit their practical applications. Here, a double-network (DN) hydrogel has been developed by integrating an ionically cross-linked agar network, a covalently cross-linked acrylic acid (AAC) network, and the dynamic and reversible ionically cross-linked coordination between the AAC chains and Fe3+ ions. The proposed model reveals the mechanisms of the improved mechanical performances in the DN agar/AAC-Fe3+ hydrogel. The hydrogen-bond cross-linked double helices of agar and ionic-coordination interactions of AAC-Fe3+ can be temporarily sacrificed during large deformation to readily dissipate the energy, whereas the reversible AAC-Fe3+ interactions can be regenerated after stress relief, which greatly increases the material toughness. The developed DN hydrogel demonstrates a remarkable stretchability with a break strain up to 3174.3%, high strain sensitivity with the gauge factor being 0.83 under a strain of 1000%, and good 3D printability, making the material a desirable candidate for fabricating flexible strain sensors, electronic skin, and soft robots. The weak mechanical properties of hydrogels due to the inefficient dissipation of energy in the intrinsic structures limit their practical applications. Here, a double-network (DN) hydrogel has been developed by integrating an ionically cross-linked agar network, a covalently cross-linked acrylic acid (AAC) network, and the dynamic and reversible ionically cross-linked coordination between the AAC chains and Fe3+ ions. The proposed model reveals the mechanisms of the improved mechanical performances in the DN agar/AAC-Fe3+ hydrogel. The hydrogen-bond cross-linked double helices of agar and ionic-coordination interactions of AAC-Fe3+ can be temporarily sacrificed during large deformation to readily dissipate the energy, whereas the reversible AAC-Fe3+ interactions can be regenerated after stress relief, which greatly increases the material toughness. The developed DN hydrogel demonstrates a remarkable stretchability with a break strain up to 3174.3%, high strain sensitivity with the gauge factor being 0.83 under a strain of 1000%, and good 3D printability, making the material a desirable candidate for fabricating flexible strain sensors, electronic skin, and soft robots.
AUTHOR
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
Advanced Functional Materials
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractAbstract The development of multifunctional 3D printing materials from sustainable natural resources is a high priority in additive manufacturing. Using an eco-friendly method to transform hard pollen grains into stimulus-responsive microgel particles, we engineered a pollen-derived microgel suspension that can serve as a functional reinforcement for composite hydrogel inks and as a supporting matrix for versatile freeform 3D printing systems. The pollen microgel particles enabled the printing of composite inks and improved the mechanical and physiological stabilities of alginate and hyaluronic acid hydrogel scaffolds for 3D cell culture applications. Moreover, the particles endowed the inks with stimulus-responsive controlled release properties. The suitability of the pollen microgel suspension as a supporting matrix for freeform 3D printing of alginate and silicone rubber inks was demonstrated and optimized by tuning the rheological properties of the microgel. Compared with other classes of natural materials, pollen grains have several compelling features, including natural abundance, renewability, affordability, processing ease, monodispersity, and tunable rheological features, which make them attractive candidates to engineer advanced materials for 3D printing applications.
AUTHOR
Title
Extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived bioinks designed to foster vasculogenesis and neurite outgrowth: Characterization and bioprinting
[Abstract]
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
Bioprinting
Reftype
Groups
AbstractThe field of bioprinting has shown a tremendous development in recent years, focusing on the development of advanced in vitro models and on regeneration approaches. In this scope, the lack of suitable biomaterials that can be efficiently formulated as printable bioinks, while supporting specific cellular events, is currently considered as one of the main limitations in the field. Indeed, extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived biomaterials formulated to enable printability and support cellular response, for instance via integrin binding, are eagerly awaited in the field of bioprinting. Several bioactive laminin sequences, including peptides such as YIGSR and IKVAV, have been identified to promote endothelial cell attachment and/or neurite outgrowth and guidance, respectively. Here, we show the development of two distinct bioinks, designed to foster vasculogenesis or neurogenesis, based on methacrylated collagen and hyaluronic acid (CollMA and HAMA, respectively), both relevant ECM-derived polymers, and on their combination with cysteine-flanked laminin-derived peptides. Using this strategy, it was possible to optimize the bioink printability, by tuning CollMA and HAMA concentration and ratio, and modulate their bioactivity, through adjustments in the cell-active peptide sequence spatial density, without compromising cell viability. We demonstrated that cell-specific bioinks could be customized for the bioprinting of both human umbilical vein cord endothelial cells (HUVECs) or adult rat sensory neurons from the dorsal root ganglia, and could stimulate both vasculogenesis and neurite outgrowth, respectively. This approach holds great potential as it can be tailored to other cellular models, due to its inherent capacity to accommodate different peptide compositions and to generate complex peptide mixtures and/or gradients.
AUTHOR
Title
High-Resolution Novel Indirect Bioprinting of Low-Viscosity Cell-Laden Hydrogels via Model-Support Bioink Interaction
[Abstract]
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractAbstract Bioprinting of unmodified soft extracellular matrix into complex 3D structures has remained challenging to fabricate. Herein, we established a novel process for the printing of low-viscosity hydrogel by using a unique support technique to retain the structural integrity of the support structure. We demonstrated that this process of printing could be used for different types of hydrogel, ranging from fast crosslinking gelatin methacrylate to slow crosslinking collagen type I. In addition, we evaluated the biocompatibility of the process by observing the effects of the cytotoxicity of L929 and the functionality of the human umbilical vein endothelium primary cells after printing. The results show that the bioprinted construct provided excellent biocompatibility as well as supported cell growth and differentiation. Thus, this is a novel technique that can be potentially used to enhance the resolution of the extrusion-based bioprinter.
AUTHOR
Title
Preclinical Testing of New Hydrogel Materials for Cartilage Repair: Overcoming Fixation Issues in a Large Animal Model
[Abstract]
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
International Journal of Biomaterials
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractReinforced hydrogels represent a promising strategy for tissue engineering of articular cartilage. They can recreate mechanical and biological characteristics of native articular cartilage and promote cartilage regeneration in combination with mesenchymal stromal cells. One of the limitations of in vivo models for testing the outcome of tissue engineering approaches is implant fixation. The high mechanical stress within the knee joint, as well as the concave and convex cartilage surfaces, makes fixation of reinforced hydrogel challenging. Methods. Different fixation methods for full-thickness chondral defects in minipigs such as fibrin glue, BioGlue®, covering, and direct suturing of nonenforced and enforced constructs were compared. Because of insufficient fixation in chondral defects, superficial osteochondral defects in the femoral trochlea, as well as the femoral condyle, were examined using press-fit fixation. Two different hydrogels (starPEG and PAGE) were compared by 3D-micro-CT (μCT) analysis as well as histological analysis. Results. Our results showed fixation of below 50% for all methods in chondral defects. A superficial osteochondral defect of 1 mm depth was necessary for long-term fixation of a polycaprolactone (PCL)-reinforced hydrogel construct. Press-fit fixation seems to be adapted for a reliable fixation of 95% without confounding effects of glue or suture material. Despite the good integration of our constructs, especially in the starPEG group, visible bone lysis was detected in micro-CT analysis. There was no significant difference between the two hydrogels (starPEG and PAGE) and empty control defects regarding regeneration tissue and cell integration. However, in the starPEG group, more cell-containing hydrogel fragments were found within the defect area. Conclusion. Press-fit fixation in a superficial osteochondral defect in the medial trochlear groove of adult minipigs is a promising fixation method for reinforced hydrogels. To avoid bone lysis, future approaches should focus on multilayered constructs recreating the zonal cartilage as well as the calcified cartilage and the subchondral bone plate.
AUTHOR
Title
Tuning Superfast Curing Thiol-Norbornene-Functionalized Gelatin Hydrogels for 3D Bioprinting
[Abstract]
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
Advanced Healthcare Materials
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractAbstract Photocurable gelatin-based hydrogels have established themselves as powerful bioinks in tissue engineering due to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, light responsiveness, thermosensitivity and bioprinting properties. While gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) has been the gold standard for many years, thiol-ene hydrogel systems based on norbornene-functionalized gelatin (GelNB) and a thiolated crosslinker have recently gained increasing importance. In this paper, a highly reproducible water-based synthesis of GelNB is presented, avoiding the use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as organic solvent and covering a broad range of degrees of functionalization (DoF: 20% to 97%). Mixing with thiolated gelatin (GelS) results in the superfast curing photoclick hydrogel GelNB/GelS. Its superior properties over GelMA, such as substantially reduced amounts of photoinitiator (0.03% (w/v)), superfast curing (1–2 s), higher network homogeneity, post-polymerization functionalization ability, minimal cross-reactivity with cellular components, and improved biocompatibility of hydrogel precursors and degradation products lead to increased survival of primary cells in 3D bioprinting. Post-printing viability analysis revealed excellent survival rates of > 84% for GelNB/GelS bioinks of varying crosslinking density, while cell survival for GelMA bioinks is strongly dependent on the DoF. Hence, the semisynthetic and easily accessible GelNB/GelS hydrogel is a highly promising bioink for future medical applications and other light-based biofabrication techniques.
AUTHOR
Title
Tuning the Phenotype of Cartilage Tissue Mimics by Varying Spheroid Maturation and Methacrylamide-Modified Gelatin Hydrogel Characteristics
[Abstract]
Year
2021
Journal/Proceedings
Macromolecular Bioscience
Reftype
DOI/URL
DOI
Groups
AbstractAbstract In hybrid bioprinting of cartilage tissue constructs, spheroids are used as cellular building blocks and combined with biomaterials for dispensing. However, biomaterial intrinsic cues can deeply affect cell fate and to date, the influence of hydrogel encapsulation on spheroid viability and phenotype has received limited attention. This study assesses this need and unravels 1) how the phenotype of spheroid-laden constructs can be tuned through adjusting the hydrogel physico–chemical properties and 2) if the spheroid maturation stage prior to encapsulation is a determining factor for the construct phenotype. Articular chondrocyte spheroids with a cartilage specific extracellular matrix (ECM) are generated and different maturation stages, early-, mid-, and late-stage (3, 7, and 14 days, respectively), are harvested and encapsulated in 10, 15, or 20 w/v% methacrylamide-modified gelatin (gelMA) for 14 days. The encapsulation of immature spheroids do not lead to a cartilage-like ECM production but when more mature mid- or late-stage spheroids are combined with a certain concentration of gelMA, a fibrocartilage-like as well as a hyaline cartilage-like phenotype can be induced. As a proof of concept, late-stage spheroids are bioprinted using a 10 w/v% gelMA–Irgacure 2959 solution with the aim to test the processing potential of the spheroid-laden bioink.
AUTHOR
Title
3D bioprinting of a stem cell-laden, multi-material tubular composite: An approach for spinal cord repair
[Abstract]
Year
2020
Journal/Proceedings
Materials Science and Engineering: C
Reftype
Groups