International Journal of Bioprinting, an international journal dealing with the technology, science and clinical application of Bioprinting, publishes a study on the formulation of hydrogel bioinks for 3D bioprinting with the title ‘Hydrogel bioink formulation for 3D bioprinting: Sustained delivery of PDGF-BB and VEGF in biomimetic scaffolds for tendon partial rupture repair’.
The authors of the article (Sandra Ruiz-Alonso, Jorge Ordoyo-Pascual, Markel Lafuente-Merchan, Fátima García-Villén, Myriam Sainz-Ramos, Idoia Gallego, Laura Saenz-Del-Burgo, Jose L. Pedraz) highlight the power of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology in innovative methodologies to address the complex challenges posed by the treatment of partial tendon injuries.
In order to design a solution for this type of musculoskeletal injuries, a biomimetic bioink and a scaffold developed using 3D bioprinting technology and capable of releasing cells and growth factors were investigated.
For the development of the bioink, a hydrogel-like structure based on a strategic combination of alginate, hyaluronic acid, gelatin and fibrinogen was selected. This bio-ink, which showed promising characteristics, was then used to manufacture both acellular scaffolds and tissue constructs.
The structures possessed suitable and sufficient mechanical properties to address partial tendon injuries and achieved a microenvironment that allowed good metabolic activity of the tenocytes, maintenance of their phenotype and overexpression of genes related to macromolecules of the tendon extracellular matrix.
In terms of growth factor release, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) were successfully incorporated into the bioink. Their release profile was thoroughly studied and their activity once released was demonstrated.
Taken together, the results of this study suggest that the developed bioink and the resulting 3D structures may have a significant impact on partial tendon injury therapies, improving patient outcomes and regenerative medicine practices.
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