Design of experiments approach to developing a robust ink for bioprinting
Rachel Hegab1, Tessa Van Volkenburg1, Korine Ohiri1
1The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD, United States of America.
Biomedical Physics & Engineering Express
|March 15, 2022
Summary
This study optimized alginate-based bioinks for 3D bioprinting using Design of Experiments. Higher alginate concentration improved scaffold strength, enabling robust in vitro models with good cell viability.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Bioprinting Technology
Background:
- Current 3D in vitro model generation is time-consuming.
- Bioprinting offers scalable, high-throughput 3D model creation.
- Bioink formulation requires balancing scaffold integrity and cell viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize alginate-based bioink formulation using Design of Experiments (DoE).
- To investigate the effects of hydrogel composition on bioink durability and cell viability.
- To develop a robust bioscaffold for in vitro model development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach.
- Varied alginate, nanocellulose, and fibrinogen concentrations.
- Measured extrudability, strength, and stiffness via dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA).
Main Results:
- Increased alginate concentration significantly enhanced mechanical integrity.
- Fibrinogen and nanocellulose concentrations showed no statistically significant effect on mechanical properties.
- Optimized bioink supported fibroblast viability and was printable with various nozzle sizes.
Conclusions:
- Alginate concentration is a key factor for bioink mechanical strength.
- The developed methodology allows for robust bioscaffold formulation for in vitro models.
- This approach streamlines the creation of advanced tissue models for research.
