Publication
A predictive rheological framework to define printability of thermo-sensitive bioinks using non-temperature-controlled bioprinters
| Summary: | 3D-bioprinting requires bioinks with a set of mechanical and chemical characteristics, including biocompatibility, suitable flow, the preservation of cell viability during extrusion, and shape retention upon printing to construct structures in 3D. Biopolymer-based hydrogels including mixtures of gelatin and alginate are ideal, although their printability is challenging due to important thermoresponsive behavior, requiring expensive temperature-controlled printers. Here, we present a methodological framework that predicts the printability of gelatin–alginate bioinks directly from rheological parameters. By quantitatively linking viscosity and storage/loss ratio to extrusion fidelity, and by identifying gelation temperature and gelation speed as key windows for adjusting the printing process, we establish actionable design rules that enable printing with non-temperature-controlled devices, resulting in shape fidelity, spreading ratios, and printability ratios close to 1, while permitting a high cell viability after printing (92.4 ± 2.2%) that can be maintained for up to 8 days (96.5 ± 0.9%). This predictive approach provides a practical pathway to design thermosensitive bioinks without relying on trial-and-error or specialized equipment, broadening the accessibility of 3D bioprinting technologies for tissue engineering. |
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| Main Authors: | Anjos, Inês |
| Other Authors: | Vieira, Tânia; Ventura, Luana; Aktar, Taslima; Carvalho Silva, Jorge; Mendes, Bárbara B.; Conde, João; Bolaños, Luis Felipe; Fernandes, Susete; Leal, Catarina; Borges, João Paulo; Limón, David |
| Subject: | 3D bioprinting Biocompatibility Bioinks Hydrogels Printability Rheology Tissue engineering Polymers and Plastics Organic Chemistry |
| Year: | 2026 |
| Country: | Portugal |
| Document type: | article |
| Access type: | open access |
| Associated institution: | Universidade Nova de Lisboa |
| Language: | English |
| Origin: | Repositório Institucional da UNL |
| Summary: | 3D-bioprinting requires bioinks with a set of mechanical and chemical characteristics, including biocompatibility, suitable flow, the preservation of cell viability during extrusion, and shape retention upon printing to construct structures in 3D. Biopolymer-based hydrogels including mixtures of gelatin and alginate are ideal, although their printability is challenging due to important thermoresponsive behavior, requiring expensive temperature-controlled printers. Here, we present a methodological framework that predicts the printability of gelatin–alginate bioinks directly from rheological parameters. By quantitatively linking viscosity and storage/loss ratio to extrusion fidelity, and by identifying gelation temperature and gelation speed as key windows for adjusting the printing process, we establish actionable design rules that enable printing with non-temperature-controlled devices, resulting in shape fidelity, spreading ratios, and printability ratios close to 1, while permitting a high cell viability after printing (92.4 ± 2.2%) that can be maintained for up to 8 days (96.5 ± 0.9%). This predictive approach provides a practical pathway to design thermosensitive bioinks without relying on trial-and-error or specialized equipment, broadening the accessibility of 3D bioprinting technologies for tissue engineering. |
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