Three-Dimensional Bioprinting of Cell-Laden Constructs Using Polysaccharide-Based Self-Healing Hydrogels

Development of biomaterial-based bioinks is critical for replacement and/or regeneration of tissues and organs by three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques. However, the number of 3D-printable biomaterials in practical use remains limited despite the rapid development of 3D printing techniques. Controlling the flow properties of bioinks and mechanical properties of the resultant printed objects is key considerations in the design of biomaterial-based bioinks for practical applications. In this study, a printable hydrogel comprising biocompatible polysaccharides that has potential for cartilage regeneration via tissue engineering approaches was designed. Self-healing hydrogels were prepared from partially oxidized hyaluronate (OHA) and glycol chitosan (GC) in the presence of adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH). The self-healing ability of OHA/GC/ADH hydrogels was attributed to the combination of two dynamic bonds in the gels, including imine bonds obtained via a Schiff base reaction between OHA and GC, as well ...