Development of Gelatin-Coated Hydrogel Microspheres for Novel Bioink Design: A Crosslinker Study

Area of Science:

• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Vascularized tissue development is a key challenge in tissue engineering.
• Positively-charged microspheres offer dual functions: promoting vascularization and controlled release of bioactive compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize gelatin-coated microspheres using EDC or transglutaminase crosslinkers for tissue engineering.
• To evaluate the impact of crosslinkers on microsphere properties and bioprintability.

Main Methods:

• Gelatin-coated microspheres were produced and crosslinked using either EDC (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide) or TGM (transglutaminase).
• Microsphere size, surface morphology, and stability in a simulated colonic environment were analyzed.
• Bioprintability of microspheres incorporated into bioink was assessed via density and kinematic viscosity.

Main Results:

• Crosslinking with EDC or TGM did not significantly alter microsphere size.
• EDC and TGM exhibited distinct effects on surface morphology and microsphere stability.
• Incorporation of EDC- and TGM-processed microspheres into bioink did not compromise bioprintability, with uniform distribution observed in scaffolds.

Conclusions:

• Gelatin-coated microspheres processed with EDC or TGM are suitable for tissue engineering applications.
• These microspheres demonstrate potential for enhancing vascularization and controlled release in regenerative medicine.
• The crosslinking method influences microsphere characteristics without hindering bioprintability.