Abstract

Enhancing Alginate Based Hydrogels for Tissue Scaffolds and Tumor Models by 3D Printing

Aldo Boccaccini, Professor, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg

Challenges involved in the biofabrication of bone-like tissue include controlling the degradation of the matrix and understanding cell development in suitable 3D constructs that facilitate bone remodelling. In order to mimic native tissues, biofabrication offers the possibility to use different cell types in a construct. The present study focuses on the development and characterisation of alginate based hydrogels for biofabrication with focus on bone tissue engineering and with applicability also in tumour research [1]. The employed hydrogel is based on alginate-dialdehyde covalently crosslinked with gelatine [2]. Bulk degradation behaviour of the hydrogel was studied without cells by monitoring Ca-ion and protein release as well as the evolution of the mechanical characteristics up to 21 days of cultivation. In addition processing of the gel using a bioplotter and the compatibility of the process with osteoblast like cells were investigated. Further studies carried out to enhance the properties of the alginate-based hydrogels by incorporating bioactive glass particles with controlled released of biologically active ions will be presented. [1] Ivanovska J. et al., Tissue Eng Part C Methods 22, 708 (2016). [2] Sarker, B. et al. J. Mater. Chem. B 2, 1470 (2014).