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Printability and bio-functionality of a shear thinning methacrylated xanthan-gelatin composite bioink
M R Garcia-Cruz1, A Postma2, J E Frith1,3
1Department of Material Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
Biofabrication
|March 4, 2021
Summary
This study developed a novel shear-thinning bioink using xanthan gum (XGMA) and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMa) for improved 3D bioprinting. The optimized bioink offers enhanced printability, stability, and cell interactivity for tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Bioprinting Technology
Background:
- Hydrogels are common biomaterials for 3D bioprinting but often face challenges in printability, stability, and cell interaction.
- Existing hydrogels may not fully replicate the complex 3D cell environment required for effective tissue regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize a novel shear-thinning bioink composite using methacrylated xanthan gum (XGMA) and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMa).
- To enhance the printability, stability, and cell-interactive properties of bioinks for advanced 3D bioprinting applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized XGMA-GelMa bioinks with intrinsic self-assembling and shear-thinning properties.
- Utilized a secondary photo-cross-linking method to tune mechanical properties and improve hydrogel stability.
- Evaluated printability through normalized strand width measurements and assessed hydrogel stability over 90 days.
- Investigated biocompatibility and bioactivity through cell viability and cell spreading assays.
Main Results:
- Achieved high printing fidelity with normalized strand widths of 1.2 at high gel concentrations (5+5% XGMA-GelMa).
- Tuned hydrogel stiffness between 15-30 kPa and demonstrated excellent long-term stability with 75% mass retention after 90 days.
- Confirmed high cell viability (97%) and cell spreading, with improved viability in printed constructs compared to bulk hydrogels.
- Demonstrated low shear stress (1 kPa) during printing, supporting cell viability during extrusion.
Conclusions:
- Optimized XGMA-GelMa composite hydrogel as a bio-functional bioink with superior printability and stability.
- Secondary photo-cross-linking significantly enhanced *in vitro* culture stability and tunable mechanical properties.
- The developed bioink shows great promise for advanced 3D bioprinting, offering improved cell viability and tissue mimicry.
