Recent Trends in Three-Dimensional Bioinks Based on Alginate for Biomedical Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• 3D Bioprinting

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting enables fabrication of complex multicellular tissues using biologics like cells and extracellular matrix (ECM).
• Alginate (Alg) is a widely studied natural polymer hydrogel used as a bioink due to its biocompatibility and ease of gelation with divalent ions.
• Applications of alginate bioinks span vascular, cartilage, bone, liver, kidney, and skin tissue engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize existing literature on alginate-based bioinks for 3D bioprinting.
• To identify strategies for enhancing alginate bioink properties for improved tissue fabrication.
• To explore the potential of advanced alginate bioinks in drug delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of alginate hydrogels in 3D bioprinting.
• Analysis of alginate's advantages and limitations as a bioink material.
• Discussion of formulation strategies to overcome alginate's drawbacks.

Main Results:

• Alginate hydrogels exhibit excellent cell viability and tunable gelation but suffer from poor mechanical strength, printability, structural stability, and cell adhesion.
• Various modifications and composite formulations are being explored to improve alginate's performance.
• Enhanced alginate bioinks show promise for fabricating functional tissues and advanced drug delivery platforms.

Conclusions:

• Alginate remains a promising biomaterial for 3D bioprinting, but its inherent limitations necessitate further material development.
• Optimizing alginate-based bioinks is crucial for expanding their application scope in regenerative medicine and drug delivery.
• Future research should focus on novel alginate formulations to achieve superior mechanical, printability, and biological properties.