Emerging granular hydrogel bioinks to improve biological function in bioprinted constructs

Cody Tuftee; Eben Alsberg; Ibrahim Tarik Ozbolat; Muhammad Rizwan

doi:10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.09.007

Emerging granular hydrogel bioinks to improve biological function in bioprinted constructs

Trends Biotechnol. 2024 Mar;42(3):339-352. doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.09.007. Epub 2023 Oct 16.

Authors

Cody Tuftee¹, Eben Alsberg², Ibrahim Tarik Ozbolat³, Muhammad Rizwan⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA.
² Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center (JBVAMC), Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center (JBVAMC) at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
³ Biomedical Engineering Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Engineering Science and Mechanics, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Neurosurgery Department, Penn State University; Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Medical Oncology Department, Cukurova University, Adana 01330, Turkey.
⁴ Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA. Electronic address: mrizwan1@mtu.edu.

PMID: 37852853
PMCID: PMC10939978 (available on 2025-03-01)
DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.09.007

Abstract

Advancements in 3D bioprinting have been hindered by the trade-off between printability and biological functionality. Existing bioinks struggle to meet both requirements simultaneously. However, new types of bioinks composed of densely packed microgels promise to address this challenge. These bioinks possess intrinsic porosity, allowing for cell growth, oxygen and nutrient transport, and better immunomodulatory properties, leading to superior biological functions. In this review, we highlight key trends in the development of these granular bioinks. Using examples, we demonstrate how granular bioinks overcome the trade-off between printability and cell function. Granular bioinks show promise in 3D bioprinting, yet understanding their unique structure-property-function relationships is crucial to fully leverage the transformative capabilities of these new types of bioinks in bioprinting.

Keywords: bioinks; bioprinting; extrusion; granular hydrogels; microgels.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Bioprinting*
Hydrogels*
Printing, Three-Dimensional
Tissue Engineering
Tissue Scaffolds

Substances

Hydrogels

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

Grants and funding