Bioink Development
Developing next generation biomaterials
Bioink Development
Develop and characterize the next generation biomaterials
Introduction
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.
Supporting viability and proliferation
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.
FINE-TUNING THE VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES
Besides excellent bioactive properties, the second most important aspect in bioink 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 deposit of the printed cells in 3D. Ideal rheological properties depend on the method used for generating 3D constructs. For example, extrusion-based bioprinting requires 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 BIO X6.
The importance of crosslinking
The process of crosslinking results in a shift from a rather viscous printable material to a more elastic material that provides and maintains structural rigidity. Crosslinking is commonly done by self-assembly, thermal gelation, UV light induction or by adding an ionic solution. Our bioprinters such as the BIO X come with a variety of different modules to facilitate crosslinking in a rapid and controlled manner.