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Tailoring Bioink Properties via Nanofibrous Polyelectrolyte Complexes of Distinct Polymeric Classes for Cartilage
Shreya Chrungoo1, Tanmay Bharadwaj1, Aishwarya Swain1
1Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha 769008, India.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|March 25, 2026
Summary
This study developed advanced bioinks using nanofibrous polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) to improve cartilage tissue engineering. The new bioinks enhance mechanical properties and support chondrocyte growth for better cartilage regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Cartilage has limited self-healing capacity, necessitating advanced tissue engineering solutions.
- Current treatments for cartilage damage often yield suboptimal or inconsistent results.
- Developing biomimetic bioinks that replicate cartilage's microenvironment is crucial for effective tissue regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer novel composite bioinks for cartilage tissue engineering.
- To investigate the impact of nanofibrous polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) on bioink properties.
- To create bioinks that mimic the native cartilage microenvironment for enhanced cell proliferation and matrix deposition.
Main Methods:
- Systematic development of composite bioinks using gelatin, chondroitin sulfate, alginate, chitosan, and BSA.
- Incorporation of nanofibrous polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) into a BSA-alginate matrix.
- Evaluation of bioink printability, stability, mechanical properties (compressive and tensile modulus), and cytocompatibility.
- Assessment of primary chondrocyte proliferation and glycosaminoglycan production in bioprinted constructs.
Main Results:
- Bioinks reinforced with PECs showed significantly enhanced crosslinking density, in vitro stability, and mechanical strength (>120 kPa compressive, >170 kPa tensile modulus).
- All developed bioinks demonstrated excellent printability, shape fidelity, shear-thinning behavior, and cytocompatibility.
- Bioinks containing gelatin-chitosan and chondroitin sulfate-chitosan PECs supported primary chondrocyte proliferation and glycosaminoglycan production over 14 days.
Conclusions:
- Tailored PEC compositions are pivotal in tuning the physicochemical, mechanical, and biological performance of natural polymer-based bioinks.
- This approach offers a versatile platform for creating advanced, cartilage-biomimetic bioinks.
- The developed bioinks hold significant promise for improving cartilage tissue engineering and regenerative therapies.
