Evaluation of Custom Microalgae-Based Bioink Formulations for Optimized Green Bioprinting

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Biotechnology
• Microalgae Cultivation

Background:

• Green bioprinting merges 3D bioprinting with microalgae for industrial optimization.
• Hydrogel scaffolds are crucial for supporting cell growth in bioprinted constructs.
• Understanding cell-environment interactions is key for successful biofabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate microalgae cell growth density variations in hybrid hydrogel scaffolds post-bioprinting.
• To evaluate the impact of different hydrogel biomaterials (Alginate, NFC-TEMPO, CMC) on Chlorella microalgae proliferation.
• To assess the rheological properties, specifically shear thinning, of bioinks for bioprinting applications.

Main Methods:

• Spectrophotometric analysis was used to measure cell growth density.
• Three hydrogel biomaterials—Alginic acid sodium salt (ALGINATE), Nanofibrillated Cellulose (NFC)-TEMPO, and CarboxyMethyl Cellulose (CMC)—were utilized as scaffolds.
• Bioink development, cell proliferation, morphology, and shear thinning properties were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Alginate hydrogels promoted increased Chlorella microalgae concentration compared to other mono-hydrogel substrates.
• Nanofibrillated Cellulose (NFC) exhibited reduced shear thinning properties compared to CarboxyMethyl Cellulose (CMC).
• Hydrogel substrates with high adhesion generally inhibited Chlorella cell proliferation.

Conclusions:

• Alginate hydrogels are promising scaffolds for enhancing microalgae cultivation in bioprinting applications.
• The choice of hydrogel biomaterial significantly influences microalgae growth and proliferation.
• Further research into hydrogel properties is essential for optimizing green bioprinting processes.