Research Projects

The unmet demand for artificial tissues and organs for transplantation has been the focus of research in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine over the past three decades.3D printing and bioprinting technology have been rapidly advancing to manufacture biologically functional tissue-engineered constructs to bridge the gap between the clinical demand and shortage of patient-specific tissues or organs. [2] Recently developed three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting approach has appeared as a novel fabrication method, which can enable to develop highly complex tissue models with controlled porous geometry and high reproducibility. Living cells or cell aggregates can be encapsulated within the biopolymers and deposited in a preprogrammed manner to mimic native-like tissue structure [3]. In this proposal, we aim to develop an osteochondral tissue construct using a 3D printing technique called Xolography. As a photocurable hydrogel formulation, the hybrid formulation of GelMA (gelatine methacrylate), alginate and Nanocellulose will be prepared. An ideal hydrogel ink should have controlled porous microarchitecture, viscoelastic properties including shear thinning characteristics, as these factors are crucial for maintaining post-printing structural stability and creating a cell-friendly environment that promotes cellular fate processes. This combination of properties ensures that the ink can be extruded through high pressure and subsequently recover its shape, creating freestanding constructs [5]. GelMA is a photopolymer and is a widely used biomaterial due to its biocompatibility, tuneable mechanical properties, and ability to promote cell attachment and growth. Its photocrosslinkable nature makes it ideal for use in 3D printing where polymerization is triggered by light. The photo-crosslinking strategy will be carried out in the presence of a dual color photoinitiator (DCPI) spiropyran substituted with a benzophenone moiety. Alginate, used as a viscosity modifier, on the other hand, offers excellent biocompatibility and is commonly used for its gel-forming properties in the presence of divalent cations like calcium. Together, these materials provide a versatile platform for fabricating complex 3D structures that mimic natural tissues. We propose to incorporate nanocellulose as a rheology modifier to enhance the printability and structural fidelity of the bioink. Nanocellulose, exhibits remarkable mechanical strength, shear-thinning properties, and high surface area, making it an excellent candidate for improving bioink viscosity and stability. Moreover, nanocellulose can interact with other hydrogel components, improving the overall mechanical integrity of the scaffold without compromising cell viability. Thus, the addition of nanocellulose will contribute to an optimized bioink that supports both osteochondral differentiation and the mechanical resilience necessary for the engineered tissue scaffold.