Three-dimensional
(3D) bioprinting enables the controlled fabrication
of complex constructs for tissue engineering applications and has
been actively explored in recent years. However, its progress has
been limited by the existing difficulties in the development of bioinks
with suitable biocompatibility and mechanical properties and at the
same time adaptability to the process. Herein, we describe the engineering
of a nanocomposite agarose bioink with tailored properties using 2D
nanosilicate additives. The suitability of agarose for 3D bioprinting
has been debated due to its bioinert nature and compatibility with
extrusion-based bioprinting. Nanosilicates were used to tailor the
flow behavior of agarose solutions, and detailed rheological characterization
of different bioink formulations was performed to elucidate the effect
of nanosilicates on the flow behavior and gelation of agarose bioinks.
The proper selection of nanosilicate concentration resulted in extrusion
3D printed structures with high shape fidelity and structural integrity.
Moreover, the influence of addition of nanosilicates on the bioactivity
of agarose was studied, and nanocomposite bioinks showed significant
improvement in metabolic activity of encapsulated cells. The bioactivity
of the nanocomposite bioinks was also evaluated through a cell spreading
assay; the charged surfaces of nanosilicates resulted in full spreading
and elongation of fibroblasts, and the extent of change in morphology
of cells was found to be directly correlated with the nanosilicate
concentration. Our findings suggested that engineered agarose-nanosilicate
bioinks can be exploited as a new generation of hydrogel bioinks for
extrusion 3D bioprinting with tunable flow properties and bioactivity.
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