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Updated: Jul 25, 2026
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Using Multilayered Hydrogel Bioink in Three-Dimensional Bioprinting for Homogeneous Cell Distribution
Published on: May 2, 2020
Enhanced Near-Infrared Light-Mediated Hydrogel Curing Using Photoinitiator Integrated Upconversion Particles as Nano
Xiong Xiao1, Ziwei Huang1, Hongying Duan1
1Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
Biomacromolecules
|May 17, 2025
Summary
This study presents an enhanced bioink for in vivo 3D bioprinting using upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and thiol-ene chemistry. The novel system improves near-infrared (NIR) light curing efficiency for better hydrogel cross-linking and potential organ repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- In vivo 3D bioprinting offers personalized organ repair with minimal invasiveness.
- Current upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)-mediated near-infrared (NIR) light bioprinting faces challenges with low hydrogel cross-linking efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an improved bioink system for enhanced NIR light curing in 3D bioprinting.
- To utilize thiol-ene cross-linkable polymers and modified UCNPs for efficient hydrogel formation.
- To evaluate the performance and bioactivity of the novel bioink for in vivo applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized norbornene functionalized hyaluronic acid (NorHA) and thiolated gelatin (GelSH) for thiol-ene polymerization.
- Developed photoinitiator-modified UCNPs@LAP nanoinitiators for NIR light activation.
- Prepared and characterized the hybrid bioink for NIR curing efficiency and in vitro bioactivity.
Main Results:
- The NorHA/GelSH polymer solution demonstrated higher reactivity compared to gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) under weak photoinitiation.
- The UCNPs@LAP nanoinitiator significantly improved NIR curing performance, reducing potential thermal damage.
- In vitro assessments confirmed that NIR light-cured 3D scaffolds maintained excellent bioactivity.
Conclusions:
- The developed hybrid bioink system enhances NIR light curing efficiency for in vivo 3D bioprinting.
- This advanced bioink shows significant promise for applications in personalized organ repair and tissue regeneration.
