Development of a Dual-Cross-Linked Collagen-Based Bioink for High-Resolution 3D Bioprinting and Antiaging

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Dermatology

Background:

• Personalized antiaging therapies require advanced biomaterials and precision fabrication.
• Existing collagen-based materials may lack the necessary structural integrity and bioactivity for effective antiaging treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a dual-cross-linked collagen-based bioink for DLP bioprinting.
• To evaluate the antiaging efficacy of functionalized hydrogel facial patches fabricated using the developed bioink.

Main Methods:

• Development of a dual-cross-linked bioink using methacrylated collagen (CMA) and 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE).
• Fabrication of cell-laden, geometrically complex constructs using Digital Light Processing (DLP) bioprinting.
• Incorporation of bioactive retinol (VA) for enhanced antiaging properties.
• In vivo evaluation in a D-galactose-induced aging model.

Main Results:

• The dual-cross-linked bioink exhibited enhanced mechanical resilience, proteolytic endurance, and structural robustness.
• High-resolution, cell-laden constructs with complex geometries were successfully fabricated.
• In vivo studies showed significant improvements in dermal density, reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and increased antioxidant capacity.
• Functionalized hydrogel facial patches demonstrated targeted antiaging activity.

Conclusions:

• The CMA/BDDE bioink is a versatile platform for high-fidelity bioprinting of antiaging therapies.
• This technology offers a clinically relevant approach for regenerative esthetics and personalized dermatological interventions.
• The developed bioink shows promise for next-generation antiaging treatments.