Cross-Linked Gelatine by Modified Dextran as a Potential Bioink Prepared by a Simple and Non-Toxic Process

Abstract

Essential features of well-designed materials intended for 3D bioprinting via microextrusion are the appropriate rheological behavior and cell-friendly environment. Despite the rapid development, few materials are utilizable as bioinks. The aim of our work was to design a novel cytocompatible material facilitating extrusion-based 3D printing while maintaining a relatively simple and straightforward preparation process without the need for harsh chemicals or radiation. Specifically, hydrogels were prepared from gelatines coming from three sources—bovine, rabbit, and chicken—cross-linked by dextran polyaldehyde. The influence of dextran concentration on the properties of hydrogels was studied. Rheological measurements not only confirmed the strong shear-thinning behavior of prepared inks but were also used for capturing cross-linking reaction kinetics and demonstrated quick achievement of gelation point (in most cases < 3 min). Their viscoelastic properties allowed satisfactory extrusion, forming a self-supported multi-layered uniformly porous structure. All gelatin-based hydrogels were non-cytototoxic. Homogeneous cells distribution within the printed scaffold was confirmed by fluorescence confocal microscopy. In addition, no disruption of cells structure was observed. The results demonstrate the great potential of the presented hydrogels for applications related to 3D bioprinting.

Recent Advances in the Degradability and Applications of Tissue Adhesives Based on Biodegradable Polymers

“…Commonly, dextran-based tissue adhesives are widely applied in drug deliveries [163,164], tissue repair [165,166], and bioprinting [167,168]. By combining other functional polymers, dextran-based adhesives can obtain new functions.…”

Design approaches for 3D cell culture and 3D bioprinting platforms

“…Composite blends help bridge this gapfor instance, agarose and alginate help alter the stiffness of bioinks, gellan gum increases control over material viscosity, and biodegradable dextran permits the fabrication of structures responsive to cellular enzymatic degradation. [79][80][81][82] Such properties help simulate processes such as cancer cell invasion and macrophagemediated tissue remodeling, wherein the microenvironmental properties FIG. 3.…”

Advances in Gelatin Bioinks to Optimize Bioprinted Cell Functions

“…[193,295,296] Musilova et al achieved imine crosslinked bioinks by combining oxidized dextran with gelatin from three different sources. [297] These bioinks displayed strong shearthinning behavior with excellent viscoelastic properties, thereby enabling EBB. No cytotoxicity was observed in any of the gelatinbased bioinks, and fibroblasts cells were distributed homogenously without any disruption of the cell structure.…”