A 3D-Bioprinted Artificial Coral Platform for Investigating Structural Effects on Microalgal Photophysiology

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Biotechnology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Coral skeletal morphology and optical properties are crucial for symbiotic dinoflagellate light distribution, growth, and photosynthesis.
• Current experimental methods lack precise control over skeletal microgeometry and optical scattering, hindering coral photophysiology research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a controllable 3D bioprinted artificial coral platform for investigating coral-algal light interactions.
• To precisely control skeletal microgeometry and optical scattering in an in vitro model.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D bioprinted artificial coral platform using diffusion-optimized hyaluronic acid glycidyl methacrylate (HAGM) hydrogels.
• Encapsulation of symbiotic dinoflagellates within HAGM hydrogels.
• Incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals into artificial coral skeletons to enhance light scattering.
• Utilizing natural coral skeletons to validate the platform's ability to regulate algal growth based on skeletal morphology.

Main Results:

• HAGM hydrogels supported robust dinoflagellate growth and photosynthesis.
• Algal growth within the hydrogel layer was regulated by the underlying skeletal morphology of natural coral skeletons.
• Artificial skeletons with enhanced light scattering properties were fabricated.
• The artificial coral platform demonstrated photosynthetic performance trends consistent with natural conditions under varying light intensities.

Conclusions:

• The 3D bioprinted artificial coral platform offers a controllable in vitro model for studying coral-algal photophysiology.
• This platform allows for precise manipulation of skeletal structure and optical properties to understand light-driven processes in corals.