Hyaluronic Acid and Dextran-Based Semi-IPN Hydrogels as Biomaterials for Bioprinting

Abstract

Bioprinting is a recent technology in tissue engineering used for the design of porous constructs through layer-by-layer deposition of cell-laden material. This technology would benefit from new biomaterials that can fulfill specific requirements for the fabrication of well-defined 3D constructs, such as the preservation of cell viability and adequate mechanical properties. We evaluated the suitability of a novel semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN), based on hyaluronic acid and hydroxyethyl-methacrylate-derivatized dextran (dex-HEMA), to form 3D hydrogel bioprinted constructs. The rheological properties of the solutions allowed proper handling during bioprinting, whereas photopolymerization led to stable constructs of which their mechanical properties matched the wide range of mechanical strengths of natural tissues. Importantly, excellent viability was observed for encapsulated chondrocytes. The results demonstrate the suitability of hyaluronic acid/dex-HEMA semi-IPNs to manufacture bioprinted constructs for tissue engineering.

Standardized 3D Bioprinting of Soft Tissue Models with Human Primary Cells

“…30 For this purpose, polymers, such as hyaluronic acid, dextran, or gelatin, are functionalized with acrylate-methacrylate groups to make them susceptible for photo-induced polymerization. 29,[31][32][33] Although these novel synthesized polymers show improved printing properties, the lack of a standardized production protocol hampers further industrial applications.…”

Photochemical Production of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks; Simultaneous Initiation of Radical and Cationic Polymerization Reactions

“…Semi-interpenetrating polymer networks have also been obtained by UV curing of, e.g., acrylate monomers dispersed in a polymer matrix (polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, polybutadiene, polyisoprene) [47], hyaluronic acid/hydroxyethyl methacrylate derivatized dextran (usable in 3D hydrogel bioprinted constructs) [48]. IPNs from acrylate/epoxidised polyisoprene blends have been reported [49].…”

3D bioprinting for cell culture and tissue fabrication

“…Pescosolido et al developed a semi-interpenetrating network based on hyaluronic acid and dextran [64]. Apelgren et al created a scaffold composed of chondrocytes and MSCsladen cellulose and alginate hydrogels.…”