Bio-ink from Rutgers University contains a modified version of hyaluronic acid that helps the printed ink hold a stiff structure.
Benefits
- Customizable
- Reduced cost
- Rapid manufacturing
Applications
- Medical implants
- Medical treatment
UN Sustainable Development Goals Addressed
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Goal 3: Good Health & Wellbeing
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Goal 9: Industry Innovation & Infrastructure
The Challenge
Bioengineered tissues hold enormous potential for medicine, as they allow for regenerative, personalized tissues to be made on-demand and are customizable to each patient. Many biomaterials are used to 3D print scaffolds, temporary structures to grow tissues. Unfortunately, the biomaterials are oftentimes expensive and very fragile, making them challenging to manufacture.
Innovation Details
The bio-ink material is made of modified hyaluronic acid and polyethylene glycol, which serve as the basic “ink cartridges” for 3D printing. This allow researchers to print scaffolding for growing human tissues, which can then be used to repair or replace damaged ones in the body. Depending on the type of tissue desired, the system could use different ‘ink cartridges’ featuring different cells or ligands, which could print scaffolds of different size and stiffness.
Biological Model
Hyaluronic acid is a natural molecule found in many tissues throughout the human body. It is a linear polysaccharide whose main function is to retain water to keep tissues well lubricated and moist. Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in regulating cell differentiation, migration, angiogenesis and inflammation responses.