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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
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Using Multilayered Hydrogel Bioink in Three-Dimensional Bioprinting for Homogeneous Cell Distribution
Published on: May 2, 2020
Biphasic microgel-based bioinks with balanced printability, mechanical stability, and cytocompatibility for
Sorour Sadeghzade1, Min Wang2, Ajinkya Nene3
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310023, China.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|July 7, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel biphasic bioink for 3D bioprinting, improving scaffold mechanical stability and cell function. The silk acid-microgel and alginate/carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel system enhances printability and cell proliferation for robust tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Bioprinting Technologies
Background:
- Extrusion-based bioprinting faces challenges in balancing bioink printability, mechanical integrity, and cellular viability.
- Existing microgel-based bioinks often struggle to achieve high fidelity and robust structural support.
- Optimizing bioink formulations is crucial for fabricating functional 3D tissue constructs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a microgel-based biphasic bioink for extrusion bioprinting.
- To enhance the printability, mechanical stability, and biological functionality of 3D bioprinted scaffolds.
- To create a versatile platform for fabricating complex, heterogeneous 3D structures with improved cellular performance.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of a biphasic bioink comprising silk acid-based microgels (SA-MG) in an alginate/carboxymethyl cellulose (Alg/CMC) precursor.
- Utilizing physical crosslinking of the secondary hydrogel post-printing to form a dynamic, hybrid matrix.
- Fabrication of complex 3D structures using extrusion bioprinting.
- Assessment of cell proliferation, cytocompatibility, and early signs of vascularization within the bioprinted constructs.
Main Results:
- The biphasic bioink demonstrated enhanced cohesion during extrusion, enabling high-fidelity printing of complex 3D structures.
- The resulting scaffolds exhibited tunable mechanical properties and maintained porosity.
- Cells cultured within the biphasic system showed significantly enhanced proliferation and good cytocompatibility.
- Early indicators of vascularization were observed in the cell-laden constructs.
Conclusions:
- The developed microgel-based biphasic bioink effectively addresses key challenges in extrusion bioprinting.
- This novel bioink facilitates the fabrication of mechanically robust and biologically functional 3D scaffolds.
- The approach shows significant promise for advancing biofabrication in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
