| Abstract Scope |
Tissue engineering scaffolds with extracellular matrix mimicry can enhance tissue regeneration. Hydrogels of natural polymers may be easily adjusted/modified to mimic the extracellular matrix microenvironment. 3D printing can produce complex and desirable tissue engineering scaffolds. UV-crosslinkable methacrylate-modified chitosan (CSMA) is printable but printed structures possess insufficient mechanical properties. Adding more viscous hyaluronic acid (HA) and methacrylate-modified gelatin (GelMA) may improve printability and also mechanical properties of hydrogel scaffolds. In this study, 3D scaffolds of hydrogel blends containing CSMA, HA and GelMA were 3D printed. Blend ratios for CSMA, HA and GelMA were investigated and optimized through rheological analyses and printing experiments. Printing parameters (printing speed, nozzle diameter, etc.) were optimized for printing multi-layered scaffolds with good resolution and fidelity. Subsequently, the morphology, mechanical properties, biodegradation and biocompatibility of hydrogel blend scaffolds were investigated. Results showed that 3D printed CSMA-based hydrogel blend scaffolds possessed desired properties, indicating their tissue regeneration potential. |