Tailoring of the rheological properties of bioinks to improve bioprinting and bioassembly for tissue replacement

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta. General subjects 2021-02, Vol.1865 (2), p.129782-129782, Article 129782
• Main Authors: Chopin-Doroteo, Mario, Mandujano-Tinoco, Edna Ayerim, Krötzsch, Edgar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Bioprinting - methods; Cell Survival; Humans; Rheology; Tissue Engineering - methods; Tissue Scaffolds - chemistry; Viscosity
• ISSN: 0304-4165; 1872-8006
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129782

Tissue replacement is among the most important challenges in biotechnology worldwide. We aim to highlight the importance of the intricate feedback between rheological properties and materials science and cell biological parameters in order to obtain an efficient bioink design, supported by various practical examples. Viscoelastic properties of bioink formulas, rheological properties, injection speed and printing nozzle diameter must be considered in bioink design. These properties are related to cell behavior and the survival rate during and after printing. Mechanosensing can strongly influence epigenetics to modify the final cell phenotype, which can affect the replacement tissue. In tissue engineering, biotechnologists must consider the biophysical properties and biological conditions of the materials used, as well as the material delivery mode (in a case or tissue) and maturation mode (curing or biomass), to ensure the development off appropriate materials mimicking the native tissue. Overview of biofabrication by bioprinting and bioassembly. A) Bioprinting. Bioink hydrogel based. Bioactive molecules include substances from culture media or serum, such as cytokines and hormones. Polymer network(s) could be made from natural polymers, including extracellular matrix or synthetic polymers; copolymers are often used. B) Bioassembly. Building block formation is based on cell aggregation, nucleation and compaction. Then, the self-assembly depends on printability and building block stability. [Display omitted] •Most of bioinks are hydrogel based.•Printability is closely related with rheological conditions of the bioink.•Cell behavior depends on physicochemical properties of the bioink.