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Developing bioink for 3D bioprinting with phototunable mechanical properties for creating 3D engineered bone tissues.
Over the last decade, work on development of tissue organoids using 3D bioprinting (3DP) has been at the forefront of medical research. 3DP technique provides the ability to manufacture reproducible 3D structures with well-defined spatial cell location. High fidelity 3DP of cell-laden scaffolds depe
Keywords: 3D bioprinting, hydrogels, material science, osteoblasts, mineralization
Favorable material characteristics are shear-thinning properties and quick shear recovery to remain shape after extrusion. After printing, usually crosslinking between polymers is facilitated to increase stiffness and decrease the dissolving of polymers to surrounding media. This increased shape fidelity over time is integral for bone organoid models, as many processes like mineralization are observed over extended time periods. Previously, it was shown that low values of the compression values and shrinkage of the scaffold during the incubation compromised the reproducibility of these scaffolds and eventually organotypic bone models. To overcome this problem double crosslinking can be introduced. Combining ionic crosslinking and covalent UV crosslinking can help to create more stable bioinks. Methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) has the ability to form covalent crosslinks and give bioinks phototunable mechanical properties. While GelMA alone does not have optimal thermo-rheological characteristics for 3D printing, adding gelatin introduces thermoresponsiveness and high viscosity. Different combinations of hydrogels (gelatine, alginate, GelMA) were tested and optimized to achieve a desirable shear-thinning behaviour and ability to retain its shape over time.
Favorable material characteristics are shear-thinning properties and quick shear recovery to remain shape after extrusion. After printing, usually crosslinking between polymers is facilitated to increase stiffness and decrease the dissolving of polymers to surrounding media. This increased shape fidelity over time is integral for bone organoid models, as many processes like mineralization are observed over extended time periods. Previously, it was shown that low values of the compression values and shrinkage of the scaffold during the incubation compromised the reproducibility of these scaffolds and eventually organotypic bone models. To overcome this problem double crosslinking can be introduced. Combining ionic crosslinking and covalent UV crosslinking can help to create more stable bioinks. Methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) has the ability to form covalent crosslinks and give bioinks phototunable mechanical properties. While GelMA alone does not have optimal thermo-rheological characteristics for 3D printing, adding gelatin introduces thermoresponsiveness and high viscosity. Different combinations of hydrogels (gelatine, alginate, GelMA) were tested and optimized to achieve a desirable shear-thinning behaviour and ability to retain its shape over time.
The aim of the project is to use a double crosslinking approach for 3DP of alginate and gelatin based bioink with phototunable mechanical properties to study mineralization processes. Rheological properties, mechanical properties and impact of these parameters on cell viability and mineralization will be systematically investigated.
The aim of the project is to use a double crosslinking approach for 3DP of alginate and gelatin based bioink with phototunable mechanical properties to study mineralization processes. Rheological properties, mechanical properties and impact of these parameters on cell viability and mineralization will be systematically investigated.
Dr. Dana Akilbekova: dana.akilbekova@hest.ethz.ch, Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zürich Office address: HCP H13.3, Professorship: Ralph Müller.
Dr. Dana Akilbekova: dana.akilbekova@hest.ethz.ch, Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zürich Office address: HCP H13.3, Professorship: Ralph Müller.