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Updated: Feb 8, 2026
08:34
Bioprinting Cellularized Constructs Using a Tissue-specific Hydrogel Bioink
Published on: April 21, 2016
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Thiol-Ene Alginate Hydrogels as Versatile Bioinks for Bioprinting
Huey Wen Ooi1, Carlos Mota1, A Tessa Ten Cate2,3
1Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine , Maastricht University , 6211 LK Maastricht , The Netherlands.
Biomacromolecules
|June 26, 2018
Summary
Researchers developed a novel alginate bioink for 3D bioprinting, enabling tunable mechanical properties and high cell viability. This advance facilitates the creation of complex, multi-material tissue engineering constructs.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Bioprinting offers precise 3D fabrication for tissue engineering.
- Existing bioinks often lack tunable properties and ease of use.
- Need for advanced bioinks with controllable mechanical and biological characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a versatile, cell-laden bioink based on functionalized alginate.
- To enable tunable hydrogel properties through controlled cross-linking.
- To create complex, multi-material bioprinted constructs with high cell viability.
Main Methods:
- Functionalization of alginate with norbornene groups.
- Extrusion-based bioprinting utilizing UV-induced thiol-ene cross-linking.
- Tuning hydrogel properties via dithiol PEG cross-linker variations and secondary ionic cross-linking.
Main Results:
- Developed a norbornene-alginate bioink with rapid UV gelation.
- Demonstrated tunable mechanical and swelling properties by modifying cross-linker parameters.
- Achieved high cell viability and enabled fabrication of large, multi-layer, and multi-bioink constructs.
- Showcased modularity for incorporating biofunctionality (e.g., RGD attachment).
Conclusions:
- The developed alginate bioink platform allows for rational design of material properties and biofunctionality.
- This modular bioink facilitates the creation of complex, multi-cellular, and multi-zonal tissue constructs.
- The system supports advanced tissue engineering applications requiring precise control over construct architecture and cell distribution.
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