Bioinks are materials used to generate 3D tissue constructs using bioprinters. A bioink can be any natural or synthetic polymer selected for its biocompatible components and favorable rheological properties. These characteristics temporarily or permanently support living cells to facilitate their adhesion, proliferation and differentiation during maturation.

CELLINK offers a wide range of bioinks with optimized formulations that ensure the viability of cells before, during and after the bioprinting process.

It is critical that the cells remain viable when blended within the bioinks during and after the printing process. An ideal bioink provides binding sites for cells while promoting their own extracellular matrix (ECM) production and ultimately help in generation of a functional tissue.

Besides excellent bioactive properties, the second most important aspect in bioinks development is printability to ensure that the ink can be extruded through a printing nozzle or needle into filaments while maintaining the shape fidelity and hierarchical deposition of the printed cells in three-dimensional (3D) space. Ideal rheological properties depend on the method used for generating 3D constructs: For example, extrusion-based bioprinting required more gel-like bioink whereas droplet-based bioprinting can be achieved with more liquid-like bioinks. Characterization of the rheological properties is typically performed using a temperature-controlled rheometer. Eventually, new formulations need to be tested using a 3D bioprinter such as the BIO X or the BIO X6.