Addition of High Acyl Gellan Gum to Low Acyl Gellan Gum Enables the Blends 3D Bioprintable

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Long-term stability of gellan gum (GG) at physiological conditions is expected, as very low concentration of divalent ions are required for crosslinking, as compared to alginate—which is extensively used for tissue engineering (TE) applications. Hence, GG is proposed as an ideal candidate to substitute alginate for TE. Deacylated (low acyl; LA) GG forms brittle gels, thus only low concentrations were used for cell encapsulation, whereas acylated (high acyl; HA) GG forms weak/soft gels. 3D bioprinting using pure LAGG or HAGG is not possible owing to their rheological properties. Here, we report development and characterization of bioprintable blends of LAGG and HAGG. Increase in HAGG in the blends improved shear recovery and shape fidelity of printed scaffolds. Low volumetric swelling observed in cell culture conditions over 14 days indicates stability. Volumetric scaffolds were successfully printed and their mechanical properties were determined by uniaxial compressive testing. Mesenchymal stem cells bioprinted in blends of 3% LAGG and 3% HAGG survived the printing process showing >80% viability; a gradual decrease in cell numbers was observed over 21 days of culture. However, exploiting intrinsic advantages of 3D bioprinting, LAGG/HAGG blends open up numerous possibilities to improve and/or tailor various aspects required for TE.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number199
JournalGels
Volume8
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85127811889
PubMed 35448100
WOS 000787455700001
Mendeley 4f9c50a7-1db0-32f7-abcd-0fa824e07269

Keywords

Keywords

  • 3D printing, Additive manufacturing, Biofabrifaction, Bioink, Direct ink writing, Gellan gum, Microextrusion