Abstract

Novel Composite Bioinks For 3D Bioprinting

Wojciech Swieszkowski, WUT Professor, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology

3D bioprinting is a fast-emerging technique in tissue engineering which allows for the controlled and simultaneous 3D deposition of living cells and supporting biomaterials. This technique combines the features of 3D printing of the patient-specific scaffolds with the possibility of precisely depositing living cells in the 3D space. Many synthetic and natural polymeric inks have been applied in bioprinting. The goal is to develop ink which possesses properties of native extracellular matrix. Inspiration from the reinforcing fibres occurring in articular cartilage or ceramic particles in bone tissue prompted us to use these reinforcements to enhance stability and mechanical properties of the hydrogel based bioink. The objective of this work was to show the reinforcing effect of short sub-micron fibres (SF) or micro-particles in 3D printed cells-hydrogel constructs. The biodegradable polymeric SF and TCP ceramic particles were embedded in alginate/gelatin hydrogels matrix and printed with different types of cells. Preliminary results revealed a beneficial influence of additional reinforcements on stability and mechanical properties of the tissue engineered hybrid construct and cell growth in vitro.