3D Bioprinting using Stiffened Polymer Bioinks and Bioorthogonal Crosslinkers

The Heilshorn group has developed a platform for 3D bioprinting which stiffens the structure post-printing using chemistry that is completely bioorthogonal. This two-part system utilizes a family of UNIversal Orthogonal Network (UNION) bioinks and diffusive small molecule crosslinker support baths. UNION bioinks are functionalized hydrogel backbones (such as PEG, collagen, dextran, and hyaluronic acid, etc.) with variable levels of crosslinking moieties to tune stiffness. The 3D structure is bioprinted into the diffusive support bath which contains the complementary multifunctional crosslinker. These molecules diffuse into the printed structure and spontaneously crosslink the bioink, rendering the final structure. This platform enables the printing of two or more bioinks into a composite structure with a cohesive, stable interface. Notably, this printing method uses chemistry that is biorthogonal to other printing methods and cellular functions, making it an ideal system for tissue engineering or other applications requiring live cells, including stem cells and organoids.

Stage of Research