Modelling cell deformations in bioprinting process using a multicompartment-smooth particle hydrodynamics approach

Area of Science:

• Bioprinting
• Tissue Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Extrusion-based bioprinting is a cost-effective method for creating engineered tissues.
• Cell viability during bioprinting is challenged by mechanical stresses exerted on cells.
• Experimental stress characterization in bioinks is labor-intensive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a computational model for analyzing cell stresses during bioprinting.
• To investigate the impact of process parameters on cell deformation and viability.
• To provide a tool for rapid screening of bioinks and optimizing bioprinting conditions.

Main Methods:

• A smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) model was developed to simulate bioink flow dynamics.
• Cells were modeled as a three-compartment system (nucleus, cytoskeleton, cell membrane) with distinct mechanical properties.
• Finite element analysis and a spring model were used to represent cell components and membrane.
• A submodeling approach was employed for high-resolution deformation prediction.

Main Results:

• The SPH model effectively analyzed stresses exerted on cells within the bioink.
• Cell deformation, modeled as an indicator of cell death, was investigated.
• The influence of flow rate, syringe-nozzle geometry, and cell density on cell deformation was evaluated.
• The model demonstrated the capability to predict deformation in dense cell suspensions.

Conclusions:

• Computational modeling offers an efficient alternative to experimental methods for bioink characterization.
• The developed SPH model can predict cell deformation and aid in optimizing bioprinting parameters.
• This tool facilitates the computational study of cell suspensions in bioprinting applications.
• The findings contribute to improving cell viability and the fabrication of functional engineered tissues.