Geometric and structural integrity often deteriorate in 3D printed cell-laden constructs over time due to cellular compaction and hydrogel shrinkage. This study introduces a new approach that synergizes the advantages of cell compatibility of biological hydrogels and mechanical stability of elastomeric polymers for structure fidelity maintenance upon stereolithography and extrusion 3D printing. Enabling this advance is the composite bioink, formulated by integrating elastomeric microparticles from poly(octamethylene maleate (anhydride) citrate) (POMaC) into biologically derived hydrogels (fibrin, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), and alginate).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe neurovascular unit (NVU) is a critical interface in the central nervous system that links vascular interactions with glial and neural tissue. Disruption of the NVU has been linked to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite its significance the NVU remains challenging to study in a physiologically relevant manner.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGranular hydrogels, formed by jamming microgels suspension, are promising materials for three-dimensional bioprinting applications. Despite their extensive use as support materials for embedded bioprinting, the influence of the particle's physical properties on the macroscale viscoelasticity on one hand and on the printing performance on the other hand remains unclear. Herein, we investigate the linear and nonlinear rheology of κ-carrageenan granular hydrogel through small- and large-amplitude oscillatory shear measurements.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRecent 3D-printing research showed the potential of using plant-protein-enriched inks to fabricate cultivated meat (CM) via agar-based support baths. However, for fabricating large, customized, structured, thick cellular constructs and further cultivation, improved 3D-printing capabilities and diffusion limit circumvention are warranted. The presented study harnesses advanced printing and thick tissue engineering concepts for such purpose.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe developing mouse pancreas is surrounded by mesoderm compartments providing signals that induce pancreas formation. Most pancreatic organoid protocols lack this mesoderm niche and only partially capture the pancreatic cell repertoire. This work aims to generate pancreatic aggregates by differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) into mesoderm progenitors (MPs) and pancreas progenitors (PPs), without using Matrigel.
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