Direct-write bioprinting of cell-laden methacrylated gelatin hydrogels

Biofabrication. 2014 Jun;6(2):024105. doi: 10.1088/1758-5082/6/2/024105. Epub 2014 Apr 3.

Abstract

Fabrication of three dimensional (3D) organoids with controlled microarchitectures has been shown to enhance tissue functionality. Bioprinting can be used to precisely position cells and cell-laden materials to generate controlled tissue architecture. Therefore, it represents an exciting alternative for organ fabrication. Despite the rapid progress in the field, the development of printing processes that can be used to fabricate macroscale tissue constructs from ECM-derived hydrogels has remained a challenge. Here we report a strategy for bioprinting of photolabile cell-laden methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogels. We bioprinted cell-laden GelMA at concentrations ranging from 7 to 15% with varying cell densities and found a direct correlation between printability and the hydrogel mechanical properties. Furthermore, encapsulated HepG2 cells preserved cell viability for at least eight days following the bioprinting process. In summary, this work presents a strategy for direct-write bioprinting of a cell-laden photolabile ECM-derived hydrogel, which may find widespread application for tissue engineering, organ printing and the development of 3D drug discovery platforms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Biocompatible Materials / toxicity
  • Bioprinting / methods*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Elastic Modulus
  • Gelatin / chemistry*
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Hydrogels / toxicity
  • Methacrylates / chemistry*
  • Mice
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Tissue Scaffolds

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Hydrogels
  • Methacrylates
  • Gelatin