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Updated: Jan 28, 2026
10:25
Protocols of 3D Bioprinting of Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogel Based Bioinks
Published on: December 21, 2019
19.8K
3D Bioprinted Natural Hydrogels: Rheological Characterization, Cytotoxicity, and Printability Assessment of a
David Picado-Tejero1, Laura Mendoza-Cerezo1,2, Jesús M Rodríguez-Rego1
1Departamento de Expresión Gráfica, Escuela de Ingenierías Industriales, Universidad de Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas, s/n, 06006 Badajoz, Spain.
ACS Omega
|January 26, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel bioink from food-grade polysaccharides for 3D bioprinting. The developed hydrogels offer tunable properties for biocompatible tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Bioprinting Technologies
Background:
- Developing functional and biocompatible bioinks is crucial for tissue engineering.
- Natural polymers offer sustainable alternatives for bioink formulations.
- Challenges exist in achieving desired rheological and mechanical properties for 3D bioprinting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate a novel bioink formulation using food-grade polysaccharides.
- To identify optimal concentrations of κ-carrageenan (KC), tragacanth gum (TG), and konjac glucomannan (KG).
- To assess the printability, rheological behavior, and biocompatibility of the developed bioinks.
Main Methods:
- Rheological analysis to determine viscoelastic properties.
- In vitro cytotoxicity assays (MTS test) using HEK293T cells.
- Printability assessments using a commercial bioprinter with varying extrusion conditions.
Main Results:
- Optimal concentration ranges identified: ≥2% KC, ≥1.5% TG, and 1.5-2% KG.
- Two hydrogel formulations (A and B) exhibited viscoelastic and pseudoplastic behavior.
- Formulation B showed high structural rigidity and print fidelity (>84%), while Formulation A demonstrated superior biocompatibility (86.5% cell viability at 24h).
Conclusions:
- Food-derived polysaccharides are promising, sustainable components for bioink development.
- The novel bioink formulations offer tunable properties for specific tissue engineering needs.
- Potential applications include engineered tissue scaffolds, in vitro models, and biocompatible 3D-printed systems.
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