Transparent support media for high resolution 3D printing of volumetric cell-containing ECM structures

Assaf Shapira, Nadav Noor, Hadas Oved, Tal Dvir

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

3D bioprinting may revolutionize the field of tissue engineering by allowing fabrication of bio-structures with a high degree of complexity, fine architecture and heterogeneous composition. The printing substances in these processes are mostly based on biomaterials and living cells. As such, they generally possess weak mechanical properties and thus must be supported during fabrication in order to prevent the collapse of large, volumetric multi-layered printouts. In this work, we characterize a uniquely formulated media used to support printing of extracellular matrix-based biomaterials. We show that a hybrid material, comprised of calcium-alginate nanoparticles and xanthan gum, presents superb qualities that enable printing at high resolution of down to 10 microns, allowing fabrication of complex constructs and cellular structures. This hybrid also presents an exclusive combination of desirable properties such as biocompatibility, high transparency, stability at a wide range of temperatures and amenability to delicate extraction procedures. Moreover, as fabrication of large, volumetric biological structures may require hours and even days to accomplish, we have demonstrated that the hybrid medium can support prolonged, precise printing for at least 18 h. All these qualities make it a promising support medium for 3D printing of tissues and organs.

Original languageEnglish
Article number045018
JournalBiomedical Materials (Bristol)
Volume15
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2020

Funding

FundersFunder number
Horizon 2020 Framework Programme637943

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