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3D Bioprinting of Pectin-Cellulose Nanofibers Multicomponent Bioinks
Matteo Pitton1,2, Andrea Fiorati1,2, Silvia Buscemi1
1Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|December 20, 2021
Summary
This study developed novel pectin-based bioinks enhanced with cellulose nanofibers for 3D bioprinting. These optimized bioinks ensure scaffold stability and high cell viability for tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Bioprinting Technology
Background:
- Pectin is widely explored for biomedical uses like wound healing and drug delivery.
- Low viscosity of pectin solutions limits its application in 3D bioprinting.
- Developing stable and printable bioinks is crucial for advanced tissue engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create advanced multicomponent bioinks using pectin and TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNFs).
- To enhance the printability and stability of pectin-based bioinks for 3D bioprinting.
- To ensure cell viability and functionality within the printed constructs.
Main Methods:
- Screening of various pectin and TOCNF concentrations to assess rheological properties and printability.
- Optimization of ink composition and printing parameters (e.g., writing speed) for accurate 3D structure formation.
- Evaluation of cell viability and metabolic activity within the printed hydrogel scaffolds.
Main Results:
- Addition of TOCNFs increased pectin ink viscosity and maintained shear-thinning behavior.
- Optimal concentrations of pectin (2.5% w/v) and TOCNFs (1% w/v) were identified.
- Printed scaffolds exhibited stability in physiological conditions with an elastic modulus of 1.8 ± 0.2 kPa.
- Encapsulated L929 fibroblast cells demonstrated high viability (>80%) and increased metabolic activity over time.
Conclusions:
- The developed pectin-TOCNF bioinks offer improved printability and stability for 3D bioprinting.
- These bioinks support high cell viability and functionality, indicating their potential for tissue engineering.
- This research paves the way for advanced biofabrication applications using optimized natural polymers.
