Hybrid 3D Printing of Advanced Hydrogel-Based Wound Dressings with Tailorable Properties

Abstract

Despite the extensive utilization of polysaccharide hydrogels in regenerative medicine, current fabrication methods fail to produce mechanically stable scaffolds using only hydrogels. The recently developed hybrid extrusion-based bioprinting process promises to resolve these current issues by facilitating the simultaneous printing of stiff thermoplastic polymers and softer hydrogels at different temperatures. Using layer-by-layer deposition, mechanically advantageous scaffolds can be produced by integrating the softer hydrogel matrix into a stiffer synthetic framework. This work demonstrates the fabrication of hybrid hydrogel-thermoplastic polymer scaffolds with tunable structural and chemical properties for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Through an alternating deposition of polycaprolactone and alginate/carboxymethylcellulose gel strands, scaffolds with the desired architecture (e.g., filament thickness, pore size, macro-/microporosity), and rheological characteristics (e.g., swelling capacity, degradation rate, and wettability) were prepared. The hybrid fabrication approach allows the fine-tuning of wettability (approx. 50–75°), swelling (approx. 0–20× increased mass), degradability (approx. 2–30+ days), and mechanical strength (approx. 0.2–11 MPa) in the range between pure hydrogels and pure thermoplastic polymers, while providing a gradient of surface properties and good biocompatibility. The controlled degradability and permeability of the hydrogel component may also enable controlled drug delivery. Our work shows that the novel hybrid hydrogel-thermoplastic scaffolds with adjustable characteristics have immense potential for tissue engineering and can serve as templates for developing novel wound dressings.

In Vitro Disease Models of the Endocrine Pancreas

“…Furthermore, the localization of alpha and beta cells within the islets was preserved and the printed islets continued to respond to glucose stimulation and produce insulin and glucagon for up to 7 days in culture [165]. In this regard, our group has also contributed to the state of the art by developing 3D-printed polysaccharide-based biomimetic scaffolds (alginate, carboxymethylcellulose and nanofibrillated cellulose) with tailored properties [166]. With the intention of finetuning the 3D printability, rheological, mechanical, swelling, degradation and surface properties of the hydrogels, variable concentrations of NiCu nanoparticles were incorporated into the hydrogels.…”

Recent Advances in 3D Bioprinting: A Review of Cellulose-Based Biomaterials Ink

“…Hydrogel produced from alginate and nanocellulose gives some insight into the advancement in hydrogel properties. A combination of alginate and CMC for wound dressing application can have better ink for printing due to its ability to form gelation and the suitable properties of viscosity and elasticity [ 118 ]. Moreover, the combination can lower the potential of syneresis and provide better mechanical and compression properties for resistance against deformation [ 119 ].…”

3D-Printed Products for Topical Skin Applications: From Personalized Dressings to Drug Delivery

“…Mechanical strength values were between those shown by the scaffolds containing pure PCL and pure hydrogels, which could be attributed to their hybrid composition. Besides, the authors suggested that by adjusting the mass ratios of soft polymers and PCL a fine control of the mechanical properties could be provided, being an interesting approach for the development of personalized dressings [97].…”