Preliminary investigation on a new natural based poly(gamma‐glutamic acid)/Chitosan bioink

• Published in: Journal of biomedical materials research. Part B, Applied biomaterials Applied biomaterials, 2020-10, Vol.108 (7), p.2718-2732
• Main Authors: Pisani, Silvia, Dorati, Rossella, Scocozza, Franca, Mariotti, Camilla, Chiesa, Enrica, Bruni, Giovanna, Genta, Ida, Auricchio, Ferdinando, Conti, Michele, Conti, Bice
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D‐bioprinting; Alginates; Alginic acid; Biocompatibility; Biodegradability; Biodegradation; Bioengineering; Biomedical materials; CAD; Cell culture; Cell viability; Chitosan; Complex formation; Computer aided design; Extrusion; Fibroblasts; Gelatin; Gelation; Glutamic acid; hydrogel; Hydrogels; interpolyelectrolyte complex; Materials research; Materials science; poly(gamma‐glutamic acid); Polymers; Rheological properties; Rheology; Shear stress; Stability analysis; Three dimensional models; Three dimensional printing
• ISSN: 1552-4973; 1552-4981
• DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34602

The study aims to investigate a novel bioink made from Chitosan (Cs)/ poly(gamma‐glutamic acid) (Gamma‐PGA) hydrogel that takes advantage of the two biodegradable and biocompatible polymers meeting most of the requirements for biomedical applications. The bioink could be an alternative to other materials commonly used in 3D‐bioprinting such as gelatin or alginate. Cs/ Gamma‐PGA hydrogel was prepared by double extrusion of Gamma‐PGA and Cs solutions, where 2 × 105 human adult fibroblasts per ml Cs solution had been loaded, through Cellink 3D‐Bioprinter at 37°C. A computer aided design model was used to get 3D‐bioprinting of a four layers grid hydrogel construct with 70% infill. Hydrogel characterization involved rheology, FTIR analysis, stability study (mass loss [ML], fluid uptake [FU]), and cell retaining ability into hydrogel. 3D‐bioprinted hydrogel gelation time resulted to be