Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
09:32
Human Cartilage Tissue Fabrication Using Three-dimensional Inkjet Printing Technology
Published on: June 10, 2014
16.3K
Formulation and 3D Printing of Collagen/Chitosan Inks: Tailoring the Scaffold Properties
Teresa Carranza1, Mireia Andonegui1,2, Raquel Hernáez3,4
1BIOMAT Research Group, Escuela de Ingeniería de Gipuzkoa, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Europa Plaza 1, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 27, 2026
Summary
This study developed collagen/chitosan hydrogels for 3D printing cartilage tissue engineering scaffolds. The 80:20 collagen/chitosan (20CHI) formulation showed excellent printability and supported cell growth and matrix deposition.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Bioprinting
Background:
- Functional scaffolds are essential for 3D printing via extrusion.
- Collagen and chitosan are promising biomaterials for tissue engineering applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize collagen/chitosan hydrogels for extrusion-based 3D printing.
- To evaluate the suitability of these hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of collagen/chitosan hydrogels with varying ratios.
- Rheological, physicochemical, mechanical, and in vitro biological characterization.
- Assessment of cell viability, proliferation, and extracellular matrix production.
Main Results:
- The 80:20 collagen/chitosan (20CHI) formulation exhibited optimal shear-thinning behavior, printability, and dimensional stability.
- 20CHI scaffolds preserved collagen structure, showed good swelling, and were cytocompatible.
- Scaffolds promoted chondrocyte and adipogenic mesenchymal stem cell (aMSC) adhesion, proliferation, and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) deposition.
Conclusions:
- The 20CHI hydrogel is a suitable biomaterial for extrusion-based 3D printing of cartilage tissue engineering scaffolds.
- These 3D printed scaffolds support cell activity and extracellular matrix formation, indicating potential for cartilage regeneration.
