Developing egg white gel: Unlocking superior mechanical properties and 3D printing potential with silicate nanosheets

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Growing demand for renewable natural materials.
• Egg white (EW) as a protein-rich source.
• Need for advanced biomaterials in tissue regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate a nanocomposite ink using EW and Laponite® (LAP) nanosheets.
• To investigate the impact of LAP concentration on 3D-printed EW-LAP hydrogel properties.
• To evaluate the potential of these hydrogels for soft tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of EW-LAP hybrid inks with varying LAP concentrations (0-1 wt%).
• 3D printing of hydrogel constructs.
• Characterization of physical, mechanical, printability, and biological properties.
• Assessment of fibroblast metabolic activity and cell spreading.

Main Results:

• Hybrid inks demonstrated good printability due to shear-thinning and network formation.
• Varying LAP content tuned mechanical properties, swelling, and degradation rates.
• 0.75 wt% LAP significantly enhanced EW compressive strength and modulus.
• EW-LAP hydrogels improved fibroblast metabolic activity and cell spreading.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed EW-LAP hydrogels offer tunable properties and enhanced mechanical strength.
• These hydrogels exhibit excellent biocompatibility, supporting cell proliferation and spreading.
• EW-LAP hydrogels are promising candidates for soft tissue engineering applications.