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Published on: May 11, 2021
Nanocrystalline Cellulose as a Versatile Engineering Material for Extrusion-Based Bioprinting
Sophia A Read1, Chee Shuen Go1, Miguel J S Ferreira1
1Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering & Henry Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) enhance alginate bioinks for 3D bioprinting, improving print resolution and shape fidelity without compromising cell viability. This innovation offers better bioink formulations for extrusion-based bioprinting applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- 3D Bioprinting
Background:
- Alginate hydrogels are common bioinks for 3D bioprinting.
- Low viscosity of traditional bioinks limits print resolution and shape fidelity.
- Improving bioink printability while maintaining cell viability is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as rheological modifiers for alginate bioinks.
- To enhance the printability and resolution of alginate-based bioinks.
- To assess the impact of CNCs on encapsulated cell viability.
Main Methods:
- Rheological analysis of alginate hydrogels with varying CNC concentrations (1% and 2%).
- 3D bioprinting of constructs using CNC-modified alginate bioinks.
- LIVE/DEAD assays to evaluate chondrocyte (TC28a2) viability over seven days.
Main Results:
- Addition of CNCs improved shear-thinning behavior and mechanical stability of alginate hydrogels.
- CNC-modified bioinks enabled high-fidelity printing with superior resolution.
- Encapsulated chondrocytes maintained high viability for seven days post-encapsulation.
Conclusions:
- Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are effective rheological modifiers for alginate bioinks.
- CNCs enhance printability and resolution without negatively impacting cell viability.
- CNCs offer a promising strategy for developing advanced bioinks for extrusion-based 3D bioprinting.
