Transparent cellulose nanofiber based open cell culture platform using matrix-assisted 3D printing.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Cellulose nanomaterials (CNF) offer versatile properties for biomedical applications.
• Developing advanced 3D platforms for cell culture and drug delivery remains a key challenge.
• Hydrophilic and hydrophobic modifications of CNF enable the creation of complex structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a novel 3D printed cellulose nanomaterial platform with integrated fluidic channels.
• To demonstrate the platform's capability for selective diffusion of bioactive molecules.
• To evaluate the platform's applicability in drug delivery for cancer cell culture.

Main Methods:

• Modification of hydrophilic CNF into hydrophobic CNF using methyltrimethoxysilane.
• 3D printing of immiscible hydrophilic and hydrophobic CNF hydrogels to form a distinct 3D structure.
• Matrix-assisted 3D printing of petroleum jelly ink to create fluidic channels within the CNF hydrogel platform.
• Dehydration and ink removal to yield a dense CNF platform with embedded channels.
• Selective diffusion studies using fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran.
• In vitro cell culture and drug delivery experiments using A549 lung cancer cells and cisplatin.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated a 3D structure using immiscible hydrophilic and hydrophobic CNF hydrogels.
• Created a dense CNF platform embedding fluidic channels after ink removal.
• Demonstrated selective diffusion of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran from the channels into the Hphil-CNF patterns.
• Confirmed transport of bioactive molecules to cells cultured on the platform surface.
• Showcased the platform's potential for drug delivery by injecting cisplatin into the channels for A549 lung cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D printed CNF platform with fluidic channels is a promising tool for cell culture and drug delivery.
• The platform facilitates controlled transport of bioactive molecules and drugs to cultured cells.
• This technology holds potential for advancing drug screening, personalized medicine, and cancer research applications.