3D Bioplotter Research Papers

Bioprinting of nanohydroxyapatite (nHA)-based bioinks has attracted considerable interest in bone tissue engineering. However, the role and relevance of the physicochemical properties of nHA incorporated in a bioink, particularly in terms of its printability and the biological behavior of bioprinted cells, remain largely unexplored. In this study, two bioinspired nHAs with different chemical compositions, crystallinity, and morphologies were synthesized and characterized: a more crystalline, needle-like Mg2+-doped nHA (N-HA) and a more amorphous, rounded Mg2+– and CO32–-doped nHA (R-HA). To investigate the effects of the different compositions and morphologies of these nanoparticles on the bioprinting of human bone marrow stromal cells…

Bioprinting allows for the fabrication of tissue-like constructs by precise architecture and positioning of the bioactive hydrogels with living cells. This study was performed to determine the effect of very low concentrations of alginate (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5% w/v) on bioprinting of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) in gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA; 5% w/v)/alginate blend. Furthermore, while GelMA was photocrosslinked in all bioprinted constructs, the effect of crosslinking alginate with calcium chloride on the physical and biological characteristics of the constructs was investigated. The inclusion of low-concentration alginate improved the viscosity and printability of the formulation as well as the…

A functional bioink with potential in bone tissue engineering must be subjected to critical investigation throughout its intended lifespan. The aim of this study was to develop alginate–gelatin-based (Alg–Gel) multicomponent bioinks systematically and to assess the short- and long-term exposure responses of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) printed within these bioinks with and without crosslinking. The first generation of bioinks was established by incorporating a range of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), to evaluate their effect on viscosity, printability and cell viability. Adding CNFs to Alg–Gel solution increased viscosity and printability without compromising cell viability. In the second generation of bioinks,…

Extrusion-based 3D printing of thermoplastic polymers presents significant potential for bone tissue engineering. However, a key limitation is the frequent absence of filament porosity and the inherent osteoconductive properties. This study addresses these challenges by fabricating poly(lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate) (PLATMC) scaffolds with dual-scale porosity: macroporosity achieved through controlled filament spacing and microporosity introduced via NaCl leaching. The inclusion of NaCl generated rough, porous surfaces that were well-suited for dip-coating with magnesium-carbonate-doped hydroxyapatite (MgCHA), thereby imparting osteoconductive functionality. Thermal analysis revealed that salt incorporation had minimal impact on the polymer’s thermal stability. Rheological studies and computational modeling indicated that NaCl reduced the…

Despite the potential of extrusion-based printing of thermoplastic polymers in bone tissue engineering, the inherent nonporous stiff nature of the printed filaments may elicit immune responses that influence bone regeneration. In this study, bone scaffolds made of polycaprolactone (PCL) filaments with different internal microporosity and stiffness was 3D-printed. It was achieved by combining three fabrication techniques, salt leaching and 3D printing at either low or high temperatures (LT/HT) with or without nonsolvent induced phase separation (NIPS). Printing PCL at HT resulted in stiff scaffolds (modulus of elasticity (E): 403 ± 19 MPa and strain: 6.6 ± 0.1%), while NIPS-based printing…

Gelatin has emerged as a biocompatible polymer with high printability in scaffold-based tissue engineering. The aim of the current study was to investigate the potential of genipin-crosslinked 3D printed gelatin scaffolds for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cartilage regeneration. Crosslinking with genipin increased the stability and mechanical properties, without any cytotoxic effects. Chondrogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSC) on the scaffolds were compared to cell pellets and spheres. Although hBMSC seeded scaffolds showed a lower expression of chondrogenesis-related genes compared to cell pellets and spheres, they demonstrated a significantly reduced expression of collagen (COL) 10, suggesting a decreased…

A promising alternative to current treatment options for degenerative conditions of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is cartilage tissue engineering, using 3D printed scaffolds and mesenchymal stem cells. Gelatin, with its inherent biocompatibility and printability has been proposed as a scaffold biomaterial, but because of its thermoreversible properties, rapid degradation and inadequate strength it must be crosslinked to be stable in physiological conditions. The aim of this study was to identify non-toxic and effective crosslinking methods intended to improve the physical properties of 3D printed gelatin scaffolds for cartilage regeneration. Dehydrothermal (DHT), ribose glycation and dual crosslinking with both DHT and…

3D printed polycaprolactone (PCL) has potential as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering, but the hydrophobic surface may hinder optimal cell responses. The surface properties can be improved by coating the scaffold with cellulose nanofibrils material (CNF), a multiscale hydrophilic biocompatible biomaterial derived from wood. In this study, human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were cultured on tissue culture plates (TCP) and 3D printed PCL scaffolds coated with CNF. Cellular responses to the surfaces (viability, attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation) were documented. CNF significantly enhanced the hydrophilic properties of PCL scaffolds and promoted protein adsorption. Live/dead staining and lactate dehydrogenase…