Stimuli-Responsive Bioink Systems for Enhanced Extrusion Printability

초록

Bioprinting holds significant promise for fabricating 3D constructs to support the growth of various cell types. Although synthetic polymers are commonly used to create intricate tissue scaffolds, many require harsh processing conditions that limit their compatibility with live cell printing. In contrast, bioinks based on natural polymers can be printed under gentler conditions, though they face challenges such as low viscosity, slow gelation, and limited mechanical strength. In this research, a blend of silk fibroin (SF) and iota-carrageenan (CG) was selected for its cell-friendly properties. The SF/CG bioink demonstrated shear-thinning behavior and good extrudability. Initially, CG was physically crosslinked by exploiting its temperature-sensitive properties. Subsequently, SF was rapidly photo-crosslinked under visible light within 3 seconds during printing, which enhanced the construct’s printability and structural stability. The resulting 3D structures achieved a Young’s modulus of around 250 kPa, making them suitable for culturing specific cell types such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and myoblasts.