Abstract:
Hydrogels are extensively explored as biomaterials for tissue scaffolds, and their controlled fabrication has been the subject of wide investigation. However, the tedious mechanical property adjusting process through formula control hindered their application for diverse tissue scaffolds. To overcome this limitation, we proposed a two-step process to realize simple adjustment of mechanical modulus over a broad range, by combining digital light processing (DLP) and post-processing steps. UV-curable hydrogels (polyacrylamide-alginate) are 3D printed via DLP, with the ability to create complex 3D patterns. Subsequent post-processing with Fe3+ ions bath induces secondary crosslinking of hydrogel scaffolds, tuning the modulus as required through soaking in solutions with different Fe3+ concentrations. This innovative two-step process offers high-precision (10 μm) and broad modulus adjusting capability (15.8-345 kPa), covering a broad range of tissues in the human body. As a practical demonstration, hydrogel scaffolds with tissue-mimicking patterns were printed for cultivating cardiac tissue and vascular scaffolds, which can effectively support tissue growth and induce tissue morphologies.
摘要:
水凝胶被广泛用作组织支架的生物材料,它们的受控制造一直是广泛调查的主题。然而,通过配方控制繁琐的机械性能调节过程阻碍了它们在多种组织支架中的应用。为了克服这个限制,我们提出了一个两步过程来实现机械模量在宽范围内的简单调整,通过组合数字光处理(DLP)和后处理步骤。紫外线固化水凝胶(聚丙烯酰胺-藻酸盐)通过DLP3D打印,具有创建复杂3D图案的能力。随后用Fe3离子浴进行后处理会引起水凝胶支架的二次交联,通过浸泡在具有不同Fe3+浓度的溶液中根据需要调整模量。这种创新的两步工艺提供了高精度(10μm)和宽模量调节能力(15.8-345kPa),覆盖人体广泛的组织。作为一个实际的示范,打印具有组织模拟模式的水凝胶支架,用于培养心脏组织和血管支架,能有效支持组织生长并诱导组织形态。