A Guide to Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogel Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting fabricates living constructs using cell-laden inks (bioinks).
• Ideal bioinks require specific mechanical, rheological, chemical, and biological properties for cell viability and construct fidelity.
• Hydrogels, particularly natural polysaccharide-based ones, mimic the extracellular matrix, offering advantages for bioink development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in polysaccharide-based hydrogel bioinks for 3D bioprinting.
• To emphasize properties, advantages, and limitations of these bioinks.
• To classify polysaccharide bioinks based on their origin (seaweed, higher plants, microbial, animal).

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the last five years.
• Analysis of polysaccharide hydrogel properties relevant to 3D bioprinting.
• Classification of bioinks by polysaccharide source.

Main Results:

• Polysaccharide hydrogels show significant promise as bioinks due to their biocompatibility and tunable properties.
• Diverse sources of polysaccharides offer unique characteristics for tailored bioink formulations.
• Recent research highlights improvements in cell viability, printability, and mechanical stability.

Conclusions:

• Polysaccharide hydrogels are versatile and effective bioinks for 3D bioprinting applications.
• Further research into specific polysaccharide structures and modifications can optimize bioink performance.
• These materials hold great potential for developing functional tissue constructs.