Four-dimensional (4D) bioprinting of cell-laden constructs with programmable shape-morphing structures has gained increasing attention in the field of biofabrication and tissue engineering. Currently, most of the widely used materials for 4D printing, including N-isopropylacrylamide-based polymers, are not commonly used in bioinks for cell-laden bioprinting. Herein, we propose a facile approach to create cell-laden constructs with near-infrared (NIR)-triggered shape morphing using bioinks based on alginate (the most widely used bioink for cell-laden bioprinting). Three-dimensional (3D) printed bilayered scaffolds with orthogonal structures using concentrated alginate/polydopamine (PDA) inks (14–18 wt%) showed a change in folded shape during NIR-induced dehydration. The deformation angle of the scaffold could be controlled by laser power, irradiation time and the designed patterns of the printed alginate/PDA struts in scaffolds. Then, 3D printed biphasic scaffolds consisting of alginate/PDA and cell-laden hydrogels exhibited programmable shape change under NIR stimulation. Scaffolds were able to maintain their deformed structures, and the printed cells in hydrogels retained high viability during culture in medium for at least 14 days. The biocompatible and commonly used hydrogel bioinks, NIR-triggered shape-morphing structures and maintenance of the deformed shape in the medium give this facile approach great potential for application in the field of 4D bioprinting and 4D biofabrication of artificial tissues and organs.
The development of hydrogel based scaffold with the capability of enhanced antibacterial effects and wound healing is the promising strategy for the treatment of wound tissues with bacterial infection. Herein, we fabricated a hollow channeled hydrogel scaffold based on the mixture of dopamine modified alginate (Alg-DA) and gelatin via co-axial 3D printing for the treatment of bacterial-infected wound. The scaffold was crosslinked by copper/calcium ions, which could enhance the structural stability and mechanical properties. Meanwhile, copper ions crosslinking endowed the scaffold with good photothermal effects. The photothermal effect and copper ions showed excellent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Moreover, the hollow channels and the sustained released copper ions could stimulate angiogenesis and accelerate wound healing process. Thus, the prepared hollow channeled hydrogel scaffold might be a potential candidate for promoting wound healing application.
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