Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has emerged as an enabling tool for various biomedical applications, such as tissue regeneration and tissue model engineering. To this end, the development of bioinks with multiple functions plays a crucial role in the applications of 3D bioprinting technologies. In this study, we propose a new bioink based on two immiscible aqueous phases of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and dextran, further endowed with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This micropore-forming GelMA-dextran (PGelDex) bioink exhibited excellent printability with vat-polymerization, extrusion, and handheld bioprinting methods. The porous structure was confirmed after bioprinting, which promoted the spreading of the encapsulated cells, exhibiting the exceptional cytocompatibility of this bioink formulation. To extend the applications of such a micropore-forming bioink, interleukin-4 (IL-4)-loaded silver-coated gold nanorods (AgGNRs) and human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were simultaneously incorporated, to display synergistic anti-infection behavior and immunomodulatory function. The results revealed the anti-bacterial properties of the AgGNR-loaded PGelDex bioink for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The data also indicated that the presence of IL-4 and MSCs facilitated macrophage M2-phenotype differentiation, suggesting the potential anti-inflammatory feature of the bioink. Overall, this unique anti-bacterial and immunomodulatory micropore-forming bioink offers an effective strategy for the inhibition of bacterial-induced infections as well as the ability of immune-regulation, which is a promising candidate for broadened tissue bioprinting applications.
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Micropore‐Forming Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) Bioink Toolbox 2.0: Designable Tunability and Adaptability for 3D Bioprinting Applications
Abstract It is well‐known that tissue engineering scaffolds that feature highly interconnected and size‐adjustable micropores are oftentimes desired to promote cellular viability, motility, and functions. Unfortunately, the ability of precise control over the microporous structures within bioinks in a cytocompatible manner for applications in 3D bioprinting is generally lacking, until a method of micropore‐forming bioink based on gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) was reported recently. This bioink took advantage of the unique aqueous two‐phase emulsion (ATPE) system, where poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) droplets are utilized as the porogen. Considering the limitations associated with this very initial demonstration, this article has furthered the understanding of the micropore‐forming GelMA bioinks by conducting a systematic investigation into the additional GelMA types (porcine and fish, different methacryloyl‐modification degrees) and porogen types (PEO, poly(vinyl alcohol), and dextran), as well as the effects of the porogen concentrations and molecular weights on the properties of the GelMA‐based ATPE bioink system. This article exemplifies not only the significantly wider range of micropore sizes achievable and better emulsion stability, but also the improved suitability for both extrusion and digital light processing bioprinting with favorable cellular responses.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1936105
- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10445588
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Small
- Volume:
- 18
- Issue:
- 25
- ISSN:
- 1613-6810
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202106357
