UV-Crosslinking Effects on the Physicochemical and Rheological Properties of Fish Collagen Ink for 3D Bioprinting

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Three-dimensional bioprinting utilizes living cells and biomaterials for tissue and organ replacement.
• Natural polymers like type I collagen are common bioinks due to biocompatibility.
• Mammalian collagen poses risks (zoonotic diseases, immunogenicity), prompting interest in fish-derived alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the printability of a novel fish collagen bioink for micropatterned scaffolding.
• To investigate the impact of UV-induced crosslinking on fish collagen's properties.
• To overcome challenges of rapid degradation and limited mechanical properties in fish collagen.

Main Methods:

• Extrusion-based bioprinting of fish collagen ink.
• UV-induced crosslinking treatment.
• Comprehensive characterization: morphology, rheology, thermal behavior, degradation, chemical groups, and surface roughness.

Main Results:

• UV crosslinking significantly improved the structural integrity of printed fish collagen scaffolds.
• Enhanced stability and resistance to degradation were observed after UV treatment.
• The modified fish collagen demonstrated suitability as a biomaterial ink.

Conclusions:

• UV-crosslinked fish collagen is a promising biomaterial for regenerative medicine.
• This approach offers a safer and more sustainable alternative to mammalian collagen.
• The study supports the use of enhanced fish collagen in tissue engineering scaffolds.