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Updated: Jul 3, 2025
Protocols of 3D Bioprinting of Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogel Based Bioinks
Published on: December 21, 2019
Decellularized matrix bioink with gelatin methacrylate for simultaneous improvements in printability and
Ji Min Seok1, Minjun Ahn2, Dahong Kim1
1Nano-Convergence Manufacturing Systems Research Division, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Daejeon 34103, Republic of Korea; Department of Applied Bioengineering, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
A novel temperature-controlled bioprinting system enhances gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) bioink printability and cell viability. Incorporating skin-derived extracellular matrix (SdECM) improves skin tissue mimicry and cellular function for regenerative medicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Bioprinting Technology
Background:
- Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) is a widely used biocompatible bioink in bioprinting.
- GelMA's thermal-sensitive rheological properties pose challenges for precise bioprinting without temperature control.
- Solely using GelMA bioink may not fully replicate the native tissue microenvironment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a real-time temperature-controlled bioprinting system for GelMA bioink.
- To enhance GelMA bioink by incorporating skin-derived decellularized extracellular matrix (SdECM).
- To improve the mimicry of the native tissue environment and structural stability in bioprinted constructs.
Main Methods:
- Development of a real-time temperature-controlled bioprinting system with high temperature setting accuracy (module: 98.58 ± 1.8%, plate: 99.48 ± 1.33%).
- Formulation of a GelMA/SdECM bioink for enhanced biocompatibility and structural integrity.
- Assessment of cell viability, proliferation, morphology, gene expression, and growth factor upregulation in encapsulated fibroblasts.
Main Results:
- The developed system achieved high temperature accuracy across a range of 5°C to 37°C.
- Optimal printing conditions (module at 10°C, plate at 20°C) maintained high cell viability (93.84%).
- GelMA/SdECM bioink significantly enhanced fibroblast viability, proliferation, spreading, and upregulated skin regeneration-related gene expression compared to GelMA alone.
Conclusions:
- The developed temperature-controlled bioprinting system effectively manages GelMA's rheological properties in real time, enhancing printability and cell viability.
- Incorporating SdECM into GelMA bioink successfully mimics native skin tissue components, providing tissue-specific biofunctions and improving cellular responses.
- This advanced bioprinting strategy and bioink formulation hold significant potential for future skin tissue reconstruction, regeneration, and other medical applications.
