Fabrication of Aligned Biomimetic Gellan Gum-Chitosan Microstructures through 3D Printed Microfluidic Channels and Multiple In Situ Cross-Linking Mechanisms

Abstract

In this study we use a combination of ionic-and photocross-linking to develop a fabrication method for producing biocompatible microstructures using a methacrylated gellan gum (a polyanion) and chitosan (a polycation) in addition to lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP) as the photoinitiator. This work involves the development of a low-cost, portable 3D bioprinter and a customized extrusion mechanism for controlled introduction of the materials through a 3D printed microfluidic nozzle, before being cross-linked in situ to form robust microstructure bundles. The formed microstructures yielded a diameter of less than 1 μm and a tensile strength range of ∼1 MPa. This study is the first to explore and achieve GGMA:CHT microstructure fabrication by means of controlled in-line compaction and photo-cross-linking through 3D printed microfluidic channels.

Current Status in the Utilization of Biobased Polymers for 3D Printing Process: A Systematic Review of the Materials, Processes, and Challenges

“…The functionality of chitosan is dependent on acetylation degree and molecular weight, affecting the printability, biodegradability, shape fidelity, mechanical strength, and more importantly, flow properties. − It is also distinguished as a natural polymer with wide applications in the printing process. − However, the pure printed chitosan construct suffers from poor precise geometries and weak structural stability due to their hydrophilic character and the shrinking tendency of the 3D structure, which raises difficulties to process into the 3D printed architectures. Numerous efforts were carried out to develop printable chitosan-based ink for different potential applications with a combination of PLA, , silk protein, gelatin, CMC, and gellan . In an investigation performed with Wu et al, they offered a 3D printing system for hydrogel construction based on chitosan with great functional features and ordered microfiber structures.…”

“…Numerous efforts were carried out to develop printable chitosan-based ink for different potential applications with a combination of PLA, 168,169 silk protein, 138 gelatin, 165 CMC, 166 and gellan. 167 In an investigation performed with Wu et al, 162 they offered a 3D printing system for hydrogel construction based on chitosan with great functional features and ordered microfiber structures. The microstructured hydrogel scaffold was made with a neutralization process.…”

Polymer Complex Fiber: Property, Functionality, and Applications

“…On the other hand, it is also essential to take the unique features of each technique into consideration because process parameters (e.g., nozzle extrusion, traction, or external field) and conditions (e.g., temperature and the viscosity of spinning dope) of manufacturing will significantly influence the structures and behaviors of resultant fibers. Herein, we will provide a description of modern technologies for PCF fabrication including melt spinning, ,, interfacial drawing, − electrospinning, ,− microfluidics, − and complexation based wet spinning (Figure ). ,, …”

Selection of natural biomaterials for micro‐tissue and organ‐on‐chip models

“…19 The GelMA and the methacrylate gellan gum (MAGG) were crosslinked into hydrogels and enveloped cells. Robinson et al 155 worked on MAGG 156 and chitosan as biomaterial ink. 157 They claimed that MAGG is a well-established anionic polymer biotechnology that can be modified or tuned based on the methacrylate ratio.…”