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Complexation-induced resolution enhancement of 3D-printed hydrogel constructs
Jiaxing Gong1,2,3, Carl C L Schuurmans1,4,5, Anne Metje van Genderen1,5
1Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
Nature Communications
|March 11, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed a novel post-printing method to enhance resolution in 3D hydrogel printing. This technique uses complex coacervation to shrink hydrogel constructs, improving dimensional accuracy for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- 3D Printing Technologies
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) hydrogel printing allows for the creation of complex volumetric structures.
- Current methods often require sophisticated hardware or printing parameter adjustments for higher resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel post-printing resolution enhancement technique for 3D hydrogel constructs.
- To demonstrate a method for reducing the dimensions of printed hydrogels without altering printing parameters.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a post-printing treatment involving immersion of 3D-printed hydrogels in a polyion solution.
- Leveraging complex coacervation and water expulsion to induce controlled shrinking of hydrogel structures.
- Assessing cytocompatibility of the shrunken hydrogels in a cell type-dependent manner.
Main Results:
- Achieved significant reduction in linear dimensions of 3D-printed hydrogel constructs.
- Demonstrated that the shrinking process is driven by complex coacervation and water expulsion.
- Confirmed that the method maintains cytocompatible conditions for cells.
Conclusions:
- The developed shrinking printing technology offers a simple yet effective way to enhance resolution in 3D hydrogel printing.
- This approach bypasses the need for complex hardware upgrades or alterations to printing parameters.
- Anticipated widespread applications in creating higher-resolution hydrogel-based structures for various fields.
