The
compositional formulations and the optimization of process
parameters to fabricate hydrogel scaffolds with urological tissue-mimicking
biophysical properties are not yet extensively explored, including
a comprehensive assessment of a spectrum of properties, such as mechanical
strength, viscoelasticity, antimicrobial property, and cytocompatibility.
While addressing this aspect, the present work provides mechanistic
insights into process science, to produce shape-fidelity compliant
alginate-based biomaterial ink blended with gelatin and synthetic
nanocellulose. The composition-dependent pseudoplasticity, viscoelasticity,
thixotropy, and gel stability over a longer duration in physiological
context have been rationalized in terms of intermolecular hydrogen
bonding interactions among the biomaterial ink constituents. By varying
the hybrid hydrogel ink composition within a narrow compositional
window, the resulting hydrogel closely mimics the natural urological
tissue-like properties, including tensile stretchability, compressive
strength, and biophysical properties. Based on the printability assessment
using a critical analysis of gel strength, we have established the
buildability of the acellular hydrogel ink and have been successful
in fabricating shape-fidelity compliant urological patches or hollow
cylindrical grafts using 3D extrusion printing. Importantly, the new
hydrogel formulations with good hydrophilicity, support fibroblast
cell proliferation and inhibit the growth of Gram-negative E. coli bacteria. These attributes were rationalized
in terms of nanocellulose-induced physicochemical changes on the scaffold
surface. Taken together, the present study uncovers the process-science-based
understanding of the 3D extrudability of the newly formulated alginate-gelatin-nanocellulose-based
hydrogels with urological tissue-specific biophysical, cytocompatibility,
and antibacterial properties.