1 research outputs found
Nanoengineered Ionic–Covalent Entanglement (NICE) Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting
We
introduce an enhanced nanoengineered ionic-covalent entanglement (NICE)
bioink for the fabrication of mechanically stiff and elastomeric 3D
biostructures. NICE bioink formulations combine nanocomposite and
ionic-covalent entanglement (ICE) strengthening mechanisms to print
customizable cell-laden constructs for tissue engineering with high
structural fidelity and mechanical stiffness. Nanocomposite and ICE
strengthening mechanisms complement each other through synergistic
interactions, improving mechanical strength, elasticity, toughness,
and flow properties beyond the sum of the effects of either reinforcement
technique alone. Herschel-Bulkley flow behavior shields encapsulated
cells from excessive shear stresses during extrusion. The encapsulated
cells readily proliferate and maintain high cell viability over 120
days within the 3D-printed structure, which is vital for long-term
tissue regeneration. A unique aspect of the NICE bioink is its ability
to print much taller structures, with higher aspect ratios, than
can be achieved with conventional bioinks without requiring secondary
supports. We envision that NICE bioinks can be used to bioprint complex,
large-scale, cell-laden constructs for tissue engineering with high
structural fidelity and mechanical stiffness for applications in custom
bioprinted scaffolds and tissue engineered implants