Multiphoton 3D Printing of Biopolymer-Based Hydrogels

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• 3D Bioprinting
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Multiphoton lithography enables complex 3D structure fabrication via multiphoton polymerization.
• Biopolymer-based hydrogels are promising for biomedical applications but require advanced fabrication techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To photostructure novel biopolymer-based hybrid hydrogels using multiphoton polymerization.
• To evaluate the biocompatibility and potential of these 3D scaffolds for tissue regeneration applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of hybrid hydrogels from gelatin methacrylamide and chitosan derivative using multiphoton polymerization.
• Utilized eosin Y as the sole photoinitiator, expanding wavelength range up to 800 nm.
• Assessed cell proliferation (dental pulp stem cells) and matrix mineralization (functionalized with bone morphogenetic protein 2).

Main Results:

• Achieved photostructuring of novel biopolymer-based hybrid hydrogels.
• Demonstrated excellent biocompatibility with significantly increased dental pulp stem cell proliferation compared to controls.
• Showcased enhanced matrix mineralization upon functionalization with bone morphogenetic protein 2.

Conclusions:

• Developed tailor-made, biocompatible 3D hybrid hydrogel scaffolds via multiphoton polymerization.
• These materials exhibit superior biocompatibility and promote key regenerative processes.
• The findings open avenues for advanced 3D scaffold fabrication, including in situ and in vivo biofabrication.