3D-Printed Gelatin Methacryloyl-Based Scaffolds with Potential Application in Tissue Engineering

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• 3D Printing

Background:

• Developing 3D-printable materials is crucial for advancing tissue engineering.
• Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) is a promising biomaterial for scaffold fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize GelMA hydrogel ink formulations for 3D printing.
• To characterize the structural, mechanical, and morphological properties of 3D-printed GelMA scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Systematic variation of GelMA methacrylation degree, GelMA concentration (10-30%), and photoinitiator (I-2959) concentration (0.5-1%).
• Fabrication of GelMA hydrogel inks and 3D-printed scaffolds.
• Characterization using FTIR, 1H-NMR, contact angle, swelling tests, mechanical testing, and circular dichroism.

Main Results:

• Methacryloyl groups were successfully grafted onto GelMA, confirmed by FTIR and 1H-NMR.
• Methacrylation degree influenced the isoelectric point; higher photoinitiator concentration improved hydrophilicity and mechanical properties.
• Secondary structure of gelatin remained intact post-methacrylation, indicating suitability for biological applications.

Conclusions:

• Optimized GelMA formulations provide suitable inks for 3D printing tissue engineering scaffolds.
• The developed scaffolds exhibit desirable mechanical properties and preserve the native structure of gelatin.
• These findings support the use of GelMA-based hydrogels in regenerative medicine.