A cell adhesion-promoting multi-network 3D printing bio-ink based on natural polysaccharide hydrogel

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Gellan gum (GG) hydrogels are widely used in food and pharmaceuticals due to their biosafety.
• Natural polysaccharide hydrogels are gaining traction in 3D-printed biomedical engineering for their processability and shear-thinning properties.
• Limitations of GG hydrogels include poor cell adhesion, brittleness, and a single cross-linked network.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multi-network hydrogel addressing the limitations of gellan gum.
• To enhance cell adhesion, mechanical strength, and printability for biomedical applications.
• To create a composite hydrogel using modified gellan gum, mesoporous silica nanospheres, and methacrylated hyaluronic acid.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized sulfhydrated gellan gum (TGG).
• Combined TGG with mesoporous silica nanospheres (MMSN) and aldehyde-based methacrylated hyaluronic acid (AHAMA) to form a multi-network hydrogel.
• Utilized photocrosslinking of AHAMA, Schiff base bonding between AHAMA and MMSN, and TGG self-curing for network formation.

Main Results:

• The developed AHAMA/TGG/MMSN hydrogel exhibited improved cell adhesion, high strength, and elasticity.
• The composite hydrogel demonstrated excellent printability, a key feature for biomedical engineering.
• The multi-component system offered multiple crosslinking mechanisms, enhancing structural integrity.

Conclusions:

• The novel AHAMA/TGG/MMSN multi-network hydrogel overcomes limitations of traditional GG hydrogels.
• This innovative biomaterial shows significant potential for applications in tissue regeneration and biomedical engineering.
• The combination of materials provides a versatile platform for advanced hydrogel development.