Docket #: S19-254
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
Applications
- Personalized medicine
- Printed tissue engineering
- Tissue or vasculature models for drug discovery
Advantages
- Universal crosslinking moieties are broadly applicable to various hydrogel backbones
- Bioink mechanical properties are independent from post-printing stiffening
- Cytocompatible for cell-laden 3D constructs
- Bioink hydration and printed structure immobilization using the diffusive support bath
Publications
- Hull et al. Advanced Functional Materials (2020) "3D Bioprinting using UNIversal Orthogonal Network (UNION) Bioinks"
Related Links
Similar Technologies
-
Injectable and Stable Hydrogels with Dynamic Properties Modulated by Biocompatible Catalysts S16-344Injectable and Stable Hydrogels with Dynamic Properties Modulated by Biocompatible Catalysts
-
Small molecule modulators for temporal control of gelation and hydrogel mechanics S22-134Small molecule modulators for temporal control of gelation and hydrogel mechanics
-
An Extrudable Biomaterial with Heat-Resistant Bioactivity and Tunable Degradation S23-458An Extrudable Biomaterial with Heat-Resistant Bioactivity and Tunable Degradation