Development of clay based novel hybrid bio-ink for 3D bio-printing process

摘要

3D bio-printing is a revolutionary technology to reproduce a 3D functional living tissue scaffold in-vitro through controlled layer-by-layer deposition of biomaterials along with precisely positioning the live cells. Natural hydrogels are commonly considered as the scaffold material due to their bio-compatibility. However, the mechanical integrity of hydrogel material especially in 3D scaffold architecture is an issue. In this research, a novel hybrid bio-ink is developed that composed of alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose and montmorillonite clay. Several systematic quantitative characterization tests are conducted on the newly developed material to validate its printability shape fidelity and cell viability. The outcome from rheological and swelling test, filament collapse and fusion test are used to optimize the material composition to ensure printability and shape fidelity in extrusion based bio-printing process. Multiple 3D scaffolds structure with complex shape and varying pattern are fabricated with the proposed bio-ink to demonstrate its printability and shape fidelity. Furthermore, 84% live cell after 7 days of bio-printing shows its cell viability. This hybrid hydrogel can be a potential biomaterial in 3D bio-printing process and the outlined characterization techniques open an avenue directing reproducible printability and shape fidelity.