Enhanced bioink improves nutrient transport in 3D bioprinting

3D bioprinting is considered a promising method for producing tissue structures with biological functionality. One major challenge remains: ensuring sufficient nutrient supply in printed tissue. A team of researchers from the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute in Reutlingen, TU Darmstadt, and Black Drop Biodrucker GmbH has made progress in addressing this issue by integrating electro-spun fibers into bioink.  

3D bioprinting relies on bioink as a primary material. This bio-compatible substance typically consists of living cells, hydrogels, and biomolecules. Using this combination, biologically functional tissue structures can be printed. However, one key limitation has been the poor diffusion of nutrients through the printed constructs. 

To overcome this, the team employed electrospinning, a technique that produces extremely fine fibers. These fibers are added to the bioink to improve both structural stability and nutrient diffusion. 

“With a diameter of 5-10 µm, these fibers are in the range of blood capillaries and are the significant advance in our bio-ink,” explains Dr. Hanna Hartmann, Head of Division at the NMI and inventor in the joint patent. 

“The fibers now measurably improve this transport. The particularly exciting finding for us is that they don't even have to be hollow on the inside,” adds Jannik Stadler, site manager at Black Drop Biodrucker GmbH. 

In addition to aiding nutrient flow, the modified bioink features improved mechanical properties and reduced swelling behavior — critical attributes for medical applications. The bioink’s enhanced mechanical strength and dimensional stability could make it particularly suitable for surgical uses where precise handling and material consistency are vital. 

Improved bioinks like this one could benefit several fields: 

• Pharmaceutical research: enabling the creation of tissue models that reduce reliance on animal testing and support patient-specific drug testing. 

• Regenerative medicine: facilitating the development of functional tissue and organ precursors. 

• Surgical use: providing materials that retain shape and mechanical integrity during procedures. 

COMPAMED-tradefair.com; Source: NMI Natural and Medical Science Institute