Abstract

Catechol-PEG based Bioinks for 3D Printing and Gluing

Aranzazu Del Campo, Scientific Director INM, Leibniz Institute for New Materials

The major challenge of 3D Printing of hydrogel materials is finding biocompatible crosslinking chemistries that allow in situ and fast curing of the hydrogel at the printing position without compromising printing resolution or cell viability. We investigate extrusion 3D printing of bioinspired, catechol functionalized PEGs. The catechol groups allows in situ gelation with tunable kinetics by adjusting pH and oxidant concentration within physiological ranges. PEG formulations can be tuned to adjust the rheological properties of the ink for good printing resolution and shape fidelity. No post-printing secondary cross-linking is required. Using a two-component bioink, 3D scaffolds of different geometries were easily produced.