Tunable metacrylated hyaluronic acid-based hybrid bioinks for stereolithography 3D bioprinting

Abstract

Hyaluronic acid is a native extra-cellular matrix derivative that promises unique properties, such as anti-inflammatory response and cell-signaling with tissue-specific applications under its bioactive properties. Here, we investigate the importance of the duration of synthesis to obtain photocrosslinkable methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA) with high degree of substitution. MeHA with high degree of substitution can result in rapid photocrosslinking and can be used as a bioink for stereolithographic (SLA) three dimensional 3D bioprinting. Increased degree of substitution results Our findings show that a ten-day synthesis results in an 88% degree of methacrylation (DM), whereas three-day and five-day syntheses result in 32% and 42% DM, respectively. The rheological characterization revealed an increased rate of photopolymerization with increasing DM. Further, we developed a hybrid bioink to overcome the non-cell-adhesive nature of MeHA by combining it with gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) to fabricate 3D cell-laden hydrogel scaffolds. The hybrid bioink exhibited a 55% enhancement in stiffness compared to MeHA only and enabled cell-adhesion while maintaining high cell viability. Investigations also revealed that the hybrid bioink was a more suitable candidate for stereolithography (SLA) 3D bioprinting than MeHA because of its mechanical strength, printability, and cell-adhesive nature. This research lays out a firm foundation for the development of a stable hybrid bioink with MeHA and GelMA for first-ever use with SLA 3D bioprinting.

3D Printing as a Technological Strategy for the Personalized Treatment of Wound Healing

“…The number of techniques used for 3D printing has increased in recent decades and each technique has its particularities. Among them is the biomaterial suitable for printing [ 66 – 88 ]. With the ideal biomaterial, different designs can be realized depending on their purpose (Table I ).…”

“…Although it has advantages, SLA has a limited application in the pharmaceutical field, because they have few polymers suitable for pharmaceutical use (Table III ). Based on fact that the hyaluronic acid (HA) (a native ECM derivative) provides an anti-inflammatory response and cell signaling, Rakin and team successfully developed a bioink useful for SLA 3D bioprinting using methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA), laden hydrogel scaffolds [ 66 ]. The ability to retain water in the ECM results in important functions of HA in the body, such as protecting cartilage against impacts, filling spaces between organs and lubricating joints.…”

Development of Antifreezing, Printable, Adhesive, Tough, Biocompatible, High-Water Content Hydrogel for Versatile Applications

“…On days 1, 3, and 5, the hydrogel disks were stained with a live/dead assay (Biotium, Hayward, CA, USA), examined, and imaged under a fluorescent microscope using a previously described method. 36 In brief, the hydrogel disks were carefully transferred to a custom-made chamber (2 cm × 2 cm) with a glass bottom and then gently rinsed with PBS. Next, a 500 μL of live/ dead assay stock solution prepared was prepared by adding 4 μL of EthD-III dye and 1 μL of Calcein-AM dye to 2 mL of sterile PBS.…”

3D bioprinted mesenchymal stromal cells in skin wound repair

“…The microstructure can promote maturation and maintain the functions of cells (136). With SLA-based bioprinting technology, the 3D cell-laden hydrogel scaffolds represent high cell viability and cell adhesion (137). Although this technique has shown the characteristics of high precision, fast speed, and mild condition, its running cost, and the lack of compatible bioinks limit its broader applicability (138).…”