Bioactive reinforcing bioink for hybrid bioprinting of implantable bone

Introduction

3D bioprinting is an emerging technique that offers promise for fabricating implantable tissues. Despite significant advancements, the field struggles to replicate the mechanical robustness and biological complexity of native tissues, particularly in applications requiring high mechanical strength such as bone.

Project Overview

This proposal introduces 'BioForceInk,' a bioactive reinforcing bioink designed for direct bioprinting alongside a cell-laden hydrogel within a cell-conductive environment. The microparticle-based bioink is printable at room temperature and solidifies at 37°C, forming a stiff, porous scaffold within the construct.

Preliminary Studies

Our preliminary studies demonstrated its excellent printability, mechanical properties, and osteoconductive capabilities in a hybrid bioprinting context.

Objectives

To enhance vascularized bone differentiation in vitro and support bioprinted implant integration and bone recovery in vivo, the bioink will be enriched with osteogenic and vasculogenic factors.

1. Develop the growth factor-loaded BioForceInk.
2. Utilize it for creating vascularized bone implants by hybrid bioprinting in tandem with cell-laden soft bioink.
3. Evaluate the regenerative potential of the bioprinted vascularized bone implants in a critical-size bone loss model.
4. Test the technology with industrial partners and prepare it for commercialization by the end of the project.

Innovation and Potential

BioForceInk offers a unique combination of mechanical support and biological activity that facilitates the single-step fabrication of physiologically relevant bone implants. This innovation has the potential to significantly narrow the gap between bioprinting technology and clinical application, contributing to the development of personalized, mechanically robust, and biologically functional bone implants.

Future Applications

With its tunable properties, BioForceInk could be further adapted for bioprinting of various tissues, reflecting its broad potential across the field.