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Ulvan structural modification enhances stability and cell compatibility of GelMa based bioinks for tissue engineering

  • 0College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules +

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August 1, 2025

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August 1, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces modified ulvan (UAMa) for improved 3D biofabrication with gelatin methacryloyl (GelMa). UAMa enhances bio-ink stability and hydrogel strength, showing promise for tissue engineering scaffolds.

Area Of Science

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Tissue Engineering
  • Polymer Chemistry

Background

  • Ulvan and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMa) are promising bio-inks for 3D printing.
  • Previous formulations faced solution stability issues, impacting storage and printing.
  • Structural modification of ulvan is needed to overcome these limitations.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop a structurally modified ulvan (UAMa) for enhanced GelMa-based bio-inks.
  • To improve solution stability and mechanical properties of ulvan-GelMa composites.
  • To evaluate the potential of UAMa-based hydrogels for tissue engineering applications.

Main Methods

  • Ulvan purification via deproteinization.
  • Chemical modification of purified ulvan with adipic dihydrazide and methacryloyl chloride to create UAMa.
  • Formulation of UAMa-GelMa bio-inks and preparation of UAMa-based hydrogels (UAMaG) as controls.
  • 3D printing of scaffolds and assessment of solution stability, mechanical strength, and cytocompatibility.

Main Results

  • The UAMa-GelMa ink solution exhibited enhanced stability compared to controls.
  • UAMa-based hydrogels (UAMaG) showed superior mechanical strength over methacrylated ulvan-based hydrogels (UMaG).
  • 3D printed scaffolds demonstrated high cytocompatibility with primary human dermal fibroblasts.

Conclusions

  • The hydrazine groups in modified ulvan (UAMa) significantly contribute to improved hydrogel performance.
  • UAMa-GelMa composites offer enhanced solution stability and mechanical properties for advanced biofabrication.
  • UAMa-based structures show considerable potential for tissue engineering applications.

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