99 / 2018-08-08 09:39:59

Preparation of Gradient Hydrogel Biomaterials for Tissue Regeneration via 3D-printing

gradient,hydrogel

全体主题 > ii. Biomaterials and formulation of novel “bioinks” for tissue-specific applications

The gradient structures widely exist in organisms, such as skeletons change in physical density from central to peripheral, or some specific biochemical reactions that happen in extracellular matrix with gradient concentration distribution of cytokines, which are vital to physiological functions like morphogenesis, cell migration and differentiation. Therefore, the research of gradient structures in organisms will provide great inspiration for preparing biomedical materials. Based on our group’s previous work in gradient biomaterials, extrusion-3D printing technology is introduced into this work as a new way to prepare a series of gradient hydrogels for tissue regeneration.
3D printing is a layer-by-layer deposition process with precise control by G-codes programmed, which enables fabrication of complex gradient materials easily. Here are some methods we have developed. In figure 1, the gradient scaffold was made by extruding hydrogels with different compositions for each layer. Figure 2 shows a method to get a density gradient hydrogel, prepared directly by controlling the G-code in the software, whose vary with different part of the hydrogel. The cell behaviors in the mentioned gradient materials and in vivo evaluation are under investigation.