SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

You are researching: University of Wurzburg
Matching entries: 13 /13
All Groups
AUTHOR Fuchs, Andreas and Bartolf-Kopp, Michael and Böhm, Hartmut and Straub, Anton and Kübler, Alexander C. and Linz, Christian and Gbureck, Uwe
Title Composite grafts made of polycaprolactone fiber mats and oil-based calcium phosphate cement pastes for the reconstruction of cranial and maxillofacial defects [Abstract]
Year 2023
Journal/Proceedings Clinical Oral Investigations
Reftype Fuchs2023
DOI/URL DOI
Abstract
Synthetic bone substitutes which can be adapted preoperatively and patient specific may be helpful in various bony defects in the field of oral- and maxillofacial surgery. For this purpose, composite grafts made of self-setting and oil-based calcium phosphate cement (CPC) pastes, which were reinforced with 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL) fiber mats were manufactured.
AUTHOR Cianciosi, Alessandro and Simon, Jonas and Bartolf-Kopp, Michael and Grausgruber, Heinrich and Dargaville, Tim R. and Forget, Aurélien and Groll, Jürgen and Jungst, Tomasz and Beaumont, Marco
Title Direct ink writing of multifunctional nanocellulose and allyl-modified gelatin biomaterial inks for the fabrication of mechanically and functionally graded constructs [Abstract]
Year 2023
Journal/Proceedings Carbohydrate Polymers
Reftype
DOI/URL URL DOI
Abstract
Recreating the intricate mechanical and functional gradients found in natural tissues through additive manufacturing poses significant challenges, including the need for precise control over time and space and the availability of versatile biomaterial inks. In this proof-of-concept study, we developed a new biomaterial ink for direct ink writing, allowing the creation of 3D structures with tailorable functional and mechanical gradients. Our ink formulation combined multifunctional cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), allyl-functionalized gelatin (0.8–2.0 wt%), and polyethylene glycol dithiol (3.0–7.5 wt%). The CNF served as a rheology modifier, whereas a concentration of 1.8 w/v % in the inks was chosen for optimal printability and shape fidelity. In addition, CNFs were functionalized with azido groups, enabling the spatial distribution of functional moieties within a 3D structure. These functional groups were further modified using a spontaneous click chemistry reaction. Through additive manufacturing and a readily available static mixer, we successfully demonstrated the fabrication of mechanical gradients – ranging from 3 to 6 kPa in indentation strength – and functional gradients. Additionally, we introduced dual gradients by combining gradient printing with an anisotropic photocrosslinking step. The developed biomaterial ink opens up possibilities for printing intricate multigradient structures, resembling the complex hierarchical organization seen in living tissues.
AUTHOR Nadernezhad, Ali and Groll, Jürgen
Title Machine Learning Reveals a General Understanding of Printability in Formulations Based on Rheology Additives [Abstract]
Year 2022
Journal/Proceedings Advanced Science
Reftype
DOI/URL DOI
Abstract
Abstract Hydrogel ink formulations based on rheology additives are becoming increasingly popular as they enable 3-dimensional (3D) printing of non-printable but biologically relevant materials. Despite the widespread use, a generalized understanding of how these hydrogel formulations become printable is still missing, mainly due to their variety and diversity. Employing an interpretable machine learning approach allows the authors to explain the process of rendering printability through bulk rheological indices, with no bias toward the composition of formulations and the type of rheology additives. Based on an extensive library of rheological data and printability scores for 180 different formulations, 13 critical rheological measures that describe the printability of hydrogel formulations, are identified. Using advanced statistical methods, it is demonstrated that even though unique criteria to predict printability on a global scale are highly unlikely, the accretive and collaborative nature of rheological measures provides a qualitative and physically interpretable guideline for designing new printable materials.
AUTHOR Götz, Lisa-Marie and Holeczek, Katharina and Groll, Jürgen and Jüngst, Tomasz and Gbureck, Uwe
Title Extrusion-Based 3D Printing of Calcium Magnesium Phosphate Cement Pastes for Degradable Bone Implants [Abstract]
Year 2021
Journal/Proceedings Materials
Reftype
DOI/URL URL DOI
Abstract
This study aimed to develop printable calcium magnesium phosphate pastes that harden by immersion in ammonium phosphate solution post-printing. Besides the main mineral compound, biocompatible ceramic, magnesium oxide and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) were the crucial components. Two pastes with different powder to liquid ratios of 1.35 g/mL and 1.93 g/mL were characterized regarding their rheological properties. Here, ageing over the course of 24 h showed an increase in viscosity and extrusion force, which was attributed to structural changes in HPMC as well as the formation of magnesium hydroxide by hydration of MgO. The pastes enabled printing of porous scaffolds with good dimensional stability and enabled a setting reaction to struvite when immersed in ammonium phosphate solution. Mechanical performance under compression was approx. 8–20 MPa as a monolithic structure and 1.6–3.0 MPa for printed macroporous scaffolds, depending on parameters such as powder to liquid ratio, ageing time, strand thickness and distance.
AUTHOR Lotz, Benedict and Bothe, Friederike and Deubel, Anne-Kathrin and Hesse, Eliane and Renz, Yvonne and Werner, Carsten and Schäfer, Simone and Böck, Thomas and Groll, Jürgen and von Rechenberg, Brigitte and Richter, Wiltrud and Hagmann, Sebastien
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
Abstract
Reinforced 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 Mancini, I. A. D. and Schmidt, S. and Brommer, H. and Pouran, B. and Schäfer, S. and Tessmar, J. and Mensinga, A. and van Rijen, M. H. P. and Groll, J. and Blunk, T. and Levato, R. and Malda, J. and van Weeren, P. R.
Title A composite hydrogel-3D printed thermoplast osteochondral anchor as example for a zonal approach to cartilage repair: in vivo performance in a long-term equine model [Abstract]
Year 2020
Journal/Proceedings Biofabrication
Reftype
DOI/URL DOI
Abstract
Recent research has been focusing on the generation of living personalized osteochondral constructs for joint repair. Native articular cartilage has a zonal structure, which is not reflected in current constructs and which may be a cause of the frequent failure of these repair attempts. Therefore, we investigated the performance of a composite implant that further reflects the zonal distribution of cellular component both in vitro and in vivo in a long-term equine model. Constructs constituted of a 3D-printed poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) bone anchor from which reinforcing fibers protruded into the chondral part of the construct over which two layers of a thiol-ene cross-linkable hyaluronic acid/poly(glycidol) hybrid hydrogel (HA-SH/P(AGE-co-G)) were fabricated. The top layer contained Articular Cartilage Progenitor Cells (ACPCs) derived from the superficial layer of native cartilage tissue, the bottom layer contained mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). The chondral part of control constructs were homogeneously filled with MSCs. After six months in vivo, microtomography revealed significant bone growth into the anchor. Histologically, there was only limited production of cartilage-like tissue (despite persistency of hydrogel) both in zonal and non-zonal constructs. There were no differences in histological scoring; however, the repair tissue was significantly stiffer in defects repaired with zonal constructs. The sub-optimal quality of the repair tissue may be related to several factors, including early loss of implanted cells, or inappropriate degradation rate of the hydrogel. Nonetheless, this approach may be promising and research into further tailoring of biomaterials and of construct characteristics seems warranted.
AUTHOR Hauptstein, Julia and Böck, Thomas and Bartolf-Kopp, Michael and Forster, Leonard and Stahlhut, Philipp and Nadernezhad, Ali and Blahetek, Gina and Zernecke-Madsen, Alma and Detsch, Rainer and Jüngst, Tomasz and Groll, Jürgen and Teßmar, Jörg and Blunk, Torsten
Title Hyaluronic Acid-Based Bioink Composition Enabling 3D Bioprinting and Improving Quality of Deposited Cartilaginous Extracellular Matrix [Abstract]
Year 2020
Journal/Proceedings Advanced Healthcare Materials
Reftype
DOI/URL DOI
Abstract
Abstract In 3D bioprinting, bioinks with high concentrations of polymeric materials are frequently used to enable fabrication of 3D cell-hydrogel constructs with sufficient stability. However, this is often associated with restricted cell bioactivity and an inhomogeneous distribution of newly produced extracellular matrix (ECM). Therefore, this study investigates bioink compositions based on hyaluronic acid (HA), an attractive material for cartilage regeneration, which allow for reduction of polymer content. Thiolated HA and allyl-modified poly(glycidol) in varying concentrations are UV-crosslinked. To adapt bioinks to poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-supported 3D bioprinting, the gels are further supplemented with 1 wt% unmodified high molecular weight HA (hmHA) and chondrogenic differentiation of incorporated human mesenchymal stromal cells is assessed. Strikingly, addition of hmHA to gels with a low polymer content (3 wt%) results in distinct increase of construct quality with a homogeneous ECM distribution throughout the constructs, independent of the printing process. Improved ECM distribution in those constructs is associated with increased construct stiffness after chondrogenic differentiation, as compared to higher concentrated constructs (10 wt%), which only show pericellular matrix deposition. The study contributes to effective bioink development, demonstrating dual function of a supplement enabling PCL-supported bioprinting and at the same time improving biological properties of the resulting constructs.
AUTHOR Lorson, Thomas and Jaksch, Sebastian and Lübtow, Michael M. and Jüngst, Tomasz and Groll, Jürgen and Lühmann, Tessa and Luxenhofer, Robert
Title A Thermogelling Supramolecular Hydrogel with Sponge-Like Morphology as a Cytocompatible Bioink [Abstract]
Year 2017
Journal/Proceedings Biomacromolecules
Reftype
DOI/URL DOI
Abstract
Biocompatible polymers that form thermoreversible supramolecular hydrogels have gained great interest in biomaterials research and tissue engineering. When favorable rheological properties are achieved at the same time, they are particularly promising candidates as material that allow for the printing of cells, so-called bioinks. We synthesized a novel thermogelling block copolymer and investigated the rheological properties of its aqueous solution by viscosimetry and rheology. The polymers undergo thermogelation between room temperature and body temperature, form transparent hydrogels of surprisingly high strength (G′ > 1000 Pa) and show rapid and complete shear recovery after stress. Small angle neutron scattering suggests an unusual bicontinuous sponge-like gel network. Excellent cytocompatibility was demonstrated with NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, which were incorporated and bioplotted into predefined 3D hydrogel structures without significant loss of viability. The developed materials fulfill all criteria for future use as bioink for biofabrication.
AUTHOR Baumann, Bernhard and Jungst, Tomasz and Stichler, Simone and Feineis, Susanne and Wiltschka, Oliver and Kuhlmann, Matthias and Lindén, Mika and Groll, Jürgen
Title Control of Nanoparticle Release Kinetics from 3D Printed Hydrogel Scaffolds [Abstract]
Year 2017
Journal/Proceedings Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Reftype
DOI/URL DOI
Abstract
The convergence of biofabrication with nanotechnology is largely unexplored but enables geometrical control of cell-biomaterial arrangement combined with controlled drug delivery and release. As a step towards integration of these two fields of research, this study demonstrates that modulation of electrostatic nanoparticle–polymer and nanoparticle–nanoparticle interactions can be used for tuning nanoparticle release kinetics from 3D printed hydrogel scaffolds. This generic strategy can be used for spatiotemporal control of the release kinetics of nanoparticulate drug vectors in biofabricated constructs.
AUTHOR Stichler, Simone and Böck, Thomas and Paxton, Naomi Claire and Bertlein, Sarah and Levato, Riccardo and Schill, Verena and Smolan, Willi and Malda, Jos and Tessmar, Joerg and Blunk, Torsten and Groll, Juergen
Title Double printing of hyaluronic acid / poly(glycidol) hybrid hydrogels with poly(ε-caprolactone) for MSC chondrogenesis [Abstract]
Year 2017
Journal/Proceedings Biofabrication
Reftype
DOI/URL DOI
Abstract
Abstract This study investigates the use of allyl-functionalized poly(glycidol)s (P(AGE-co-G)) as cytocompatible cross-linker for thiol-functionalized hyaluronic acid (HA-SH) and the optimization of this hybrid hydrogel as bioink for 3D bioprinting. Chemical cross-linking of gels with 10 wt.% overall polymer concentration was achieved by UV-induced radical thiol-ene coupling between the thiol and allyl groups. Addition of unmodified high molecular weight HA (1.36 MDa) allowed tuning of the rheology for extrusion based bioprinting. Incorporation of additional HA resulted in hydrogels with lower Young’s modulus and higher swelling ratio especially in the first 24 h, but a comparable equilibrium swelling for all gels after 24 h. Embedding of human and equine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the gels and subsequent in vitro culture showed promising chondrogenic differentiation after 21 d for cells from both origins. Moreover, cells could be printed with these gels, and embedded hMSCs showed good cell survival for at least 21 d in culture. To achieve mechanical stable and robust constructs for the envisioned application in articular cartilage, the formulations were adjusted for double printing with the thermoplastic poly--caprolactone (PCL).
AUTHOR Paxton, Naomi Claire and Smolan, Willi and Böck, Thomas and Melchels, Ferry P. W. and Groll, Juergen and Juengst, Tomasz
Title Proposal to Assess Printability of Bioinks for Extrusion-Based Bioprinting and Evaluation of Rheological Properties Governing Bioprintability [Abstract]
Year 2017
Journal/Proceedings Biofabrication
Reftype
DOI/URL DOI
Abstract
Abstract The development and formulation of printable inks for extrusion-based 3D bioprinting has been a major challenge in the field of biofabrication. Inks, often polymer solutions with the addition of crosslinking to form hydrogels, must not only display adequate mechanical properties for the chosen application, but also show high biocompatibility as well as printability. Here we describe a reproducible two-step method for the assessment of the printability of inks for bioprinting, focussing firstly on screening ink formulations to assess fibre formation and the ability to form 3D constructs before presenting a method for the rheological evaluation of inks to characterise the yield point, shear thinning and recovery behaviour. In conjunction, a mathematical model was formulated to provide a theoretical understanding of the pressure-driven, shear thinning extrusion of inks through needles in a bioprinter. The assessment methods were trialled with a commercially-available crème, poloxamer 407, alginate-based inks and an alginate-gelatin composite material. Yield stress was investigated by applying a stress ramp to a number of inks, which demonstrated the necessity of high yield for printable materials. The shear thinning behaviour of the inks was then characterised by quantifying the degree of shear thinning and using the mathematical model to predict the window of printer operating parameters in which the materials could be printed. Furthermore, the model predicted high shear conditions and high residence times for cells at the walls of the needle and effects on cytocompatibility at different printing conditions. Finally, the ability of the materials to recover to their original viscosity after extrusion was examined using rotational recovery rheological measurements. Taken together, these assessment techniques revealed significant insights into the requirements for printable inks and shear conditions present during the extrusion process and allow the rapid and reproducible characterisation of a wide variety of inks for bioprinting.
AUTHOR Bertlein, Sarah and Brown, Gabriella and Lim, Khoon and Jungst, Tomasz and Boeck, Thomas and Blunk, Torsten and Tessmar, Joerg and J. Hooper, Gary and Woodfield, Tim and Groll, Jürgen
Title Thiol-Ene Clickable Gelatin: A Platform Bioink for Multiple 3D Biofabrication Technologies [Abstract]
Year 2017
Journal/Proceedings Advanced Materials
Reftype
DOI/URL DOI
Abstract
Bioprinting can be defined as the art of combining materials and cells to fabricate designed, hierarchical 3D hybrid constructs. Suitable materials, so called bioinks, have to comply with challenging rheological processing demands and rapidly form a stable hydrogel postprinting in a cytocompatible manner. Gelatin is often adopted for this purpose, usually modified with (meth-)acryloyl functionalities for postfabrication curing by free radical photopolymerization, resulting in a hydrogel that is cross-linked via nondegradable polymer chains of uncontrolled length. The application of allylated gelatin (GelAGE) as a thiol-ene clickable bioink for distinct biofabrication applications is reported. Curing of this system occurs via dimerization and yields a network with flexible properties that offer a wider biofabrication window than (meth-)acryloyl chemistry, and without additional nondegradable components. An in-depth analysis of GelAGE synthesis is conducted, and standard UV-initiation is further compared with a recently described visible-light-initiator system for GelAGE hydrogel formation. It is demonstrated that GelAGE may serve as a platform bioink for several biofabrication technologies by fabricating constructs with high shape fidelity via lithography-based (digital light processing) 3D printing and extrusion-based 3D bioprinting, the latter supporting long-term viability postprinting of encapsulated chondrocytes.
AUTHOR Stichler, Simone and Jungst, Tomasz and Schamel, Martha and Zilkowski, Ilona and Kuhlmann, Matthias and Bock, Thomas and Blunk, Torsten and Tessmar, Jorg and Groll, Jurgen
Title Thiol-ene Clickable Poly(glycidol) Hydrogels for Biofabrication. [Abstract]
Year 2016
Journal/Proceedings Annals of biomedical engineering
Reftype
DOI/URL DOI
Abstract
In this study we introduce linear poly(glycidol) (PG), a structural analog of poly(ethylene glycol) bearing side chains at each repeating unit, as polymer basis for bioink development. We prepare allyl- and thiol-functional linear PG that can rapidly be polymerized to a three-dimensionally cross-linked hydrogel network via UV mediated thiol-ene click reaction. Influence of polymer concentration and UV irradiation on mechanical properties and swelling behavior was examined. Thiol-functional PG was synthesized in two structural variations, one containing ester groups that are susceptible to hydrolytic cleavage, and the other one ester-free and stable against hydrolysis. This allowed the preparation of degradable and non-degradable hydrogels. Cytocompatibility of the hydrogel was demonstrated by encapsulation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). Rheological properties of the hydrogels were adjusted for dispense plotting by addition of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid. The optimized formulation enabled highly reproducible plotting of constructs composed of 20 layers with an overall height of 3.90 mm.