High-Resolution 3D Bioprinted Hydrogel Scaffolds Enable Sustained Intraperitoneal Cell Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• 3D Bioprinting

Background:

• Intraperitoneal (I.P.) cell therapy shows promise for peritoneal diseases but suffers from rapid cell loss.
• A need exists for implantable biomaterials that integrate mechanically and sustain cell viability within the I.P. cavity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer transplantable, cell-laden hydrogel scaffolds using Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) 3D bioprinting for I.P. implantation.
• To optimize bioresin formulation for mechanical properties, printability, and biodegradation suitable for the dynamic I.P. environment.

Main Methods:

• Developed a CLIP-based 3D bioprinting strategy for cell-laden hydrogel scaffolds.
• Systematically designed bioresins, identifying a GelMA-PEGDA formulation with specific mechanical and degradation profiles.
• Evaluated scaffold performance in vitro for cell viability and proliferation.
• Assessed in vivo cellular persistence after I.P. implantation in a mouse model.

Main Results:

• Identified a GelMA-PEGDA hydrogel with optimal printability, tissue-matched mechanics (10-15 kPa), and controlled biodegradation.
• Demonstrated sustained cell viability and proliferation (>30 days in vitro).
• Achieved a ~10-fold increase in cellular persistence in vivo compared to direct injection (30 days vs. 3 days for 50% signal decay).
• Showed retention of multiple cell types, including stem cells.

Conclusions:

• CLIP-based 3D bioprinting is a scalable strategy for creating I.P. implantable cell therapeutics.
• Key material and architectural parameters were defined for successful I.P. cell delivery.
• The developed platform significantly enhances therapeutic durability for regional peritoneal diseases.