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Cell loaded 3D bioprinted GelMA hydrogels for corneal stroma engineering
Cemile Kilic Bektas1, Vasif Hasirci
1Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Turkey.
Biomaterials Science
|November 21, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed a 3D bioprinted corneal stroma using GelMA hydrogels and keratocytes. This engineered tissue mimics native cornea properties, including transparency, mechanical strength, and high cell viability, offering a promising alternative for tissue repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Tissue engineering seeks to restore function to damaged or missing tissues.
- Three-dimensional (3D) printing allows precise fabrication of cell-laden constructs.
- Corneal tissue regeneration is a significant challenge in ophthalmology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a 3D bioprinted corneal stroma equivalent.
- To evaluate the biological and mechanical properties of the engineered tissue.
- To assess the potential of 3D bioprinted GelMA hydrogels for corneal repair.
Main Methods:
- Optimization of 3D bioprinting parameters for GelMA hydrogels.
- Incorporation of keratocytes into the hydrogel matrix.
- Assessment of hydrogel stability, cell viability, mechanical properties, and transparency.
- Analysis of keratocyte phenotype maintenance through gene expression.
Main Results:
- 3D bioprinted GelMA hydrogels demonstrated high stability and 98% cell viability over 21 days.
- Mechanical properties of the hydrogels approached native corneal tissue values.
- Engineered constructs exhibited excellent transparency (>80%) and maintained keratocyte phenotype.
- Reproducible stromal organization was achieved through optimized printing conditions.
Conclusions:
- 3D bioprinted GelMA hydrogels with keratocytes effectively mimic the corneal stroma's biological and physical characteristics.
- The developed construct shows potential for corneal tissue engineering and regeneration.
- Optimized bioprinting offers a viable method for creating functional corneal substitutes.
