Cellulose-based 3D printing bio-inks for biomedical applications: A review

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Cellulose derivatives and nanocelluloses are increasingly used as bio-inks due to their favorable properties.
• Despite their potential, the applications of cellulose-based bio-inks in 3D bioprinting remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in designing cellulose-based bio-inks for 3D bioprinting.
• To analyze the physicochemical properties of cellulose derivatives and nanocelluloses relevant to bio-ink formulation.
• To examine the benefits, drawbacks, and future potential of cellulose bio-inks in the biomedical industry.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on cellulose derivatives and nanocelluloses in 3D bioprinting.
• Analysis of material properties influencing bio-ink performance.
• Examination of cross-linking strategies and their impact on hydrogel constructs.
• Investigation of cell-matrix interactions and the role of surface properties.

Main Results:

• Cellulose-based materials possess desirable characteristics like affordability, biocompatibility, and printability for bio-ink applications.
• Various cross-linking techniques can modulate the mechanical properties and fidelity of cellulose-based hydrogels.
• Surface functional groups and charge on nanocellulose significantly influence cellular functions like adhesion, survival, and proliferation.

Conclusions:

• Cellulose-based bio-inks represent a versatile platform for 3D bioprinting, offering tunable properties for tissue engineering.
• Understanding cell-matrix interactions is crucial for optimizing cellulose bio-inks for specific biomedical applications.
• This review provides an integrated perspective on cellulose-based materials for advanced 3D bioprinting in the biomedical field.