Precise cell stratification in alginate/gelatin methacrylate based 3D construct using coaxial chaotic bioprinting

Area of Science:

• Bioprinting
• Tissue Engineering
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Achieving microscale multicellular organization in large 3D bioprinted tissues is challenging.
• Existing methods struggle with precise cell arrangement over significant volumes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel 3D bioprinting platform for controlled cell stratification.
• To fabricate large, multicellular, and stratified tissue constructs with biomimetic organization.

Main Methods:

• A coaxial-chaotic 3D bioprinting platform combining coaxial extrusion and static mixers was developed.
• A hybrid bioink (sodium alginate/gelatin methacrylate) with a crosslinking shell was used.
• Printing parameters were optimized for shape fidelity and internal architecture.

Main Results:

• The platform successfully fabricated acellular and cellular stratified 3D constructs.
• Chaotic stratification was achieved through modulated bioink flow via static mixers.
• Incorporated fibroblasts showed stable layered arrangements, viability, and proliferation over 7 days.

Conclusions:

• Coaxial-chaotic bioprinting is an effective strategy for rapid fabrication of large, multicellular, stratified 3D constructs.
• This method offers significant potential for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
• Precise control over cellular organization in complex tissue architectures is now achievable.