Hybrid Bioprinting of PCL-GelMA Scaffolds Using BIO X: Enhancing Stiffness of 3D Tissue Models

Designing scaffolds that balance mechanical strength with biological functionality is a core challenge in tissue engineering. Yet achieving both properties simultaneously is difficult when working with single-material systems.

The aim of this technical note is to illustrate how hybrid bioprinting with the BIO X bioprinter can effectively address this challenge. By combining a Thermoplastic Printhead (TPPH) with a Temperature-Controlled Printhead (TCPH), it is possible to fabricate PCL scaffolds with fine filament spacing that allow uniform infusion of low-viscosity GelMA before thermal gelation and photocrosslinking.

This high-resolution hybrid bioprinting workflow enables the creation of hybrid PCL-GelMA scaffolds with physiologically relevant stiffness and supports high cell viability, offering a reliable approach for engineering stable, functional 3D tissues.