Development of 3D Bioprinting Processes Using Light-Activated Decellularized Extracellular Matrix-Based Bioinks

Abstract

Tissue engineering requires not only tissue-specific functionality but also a realistic scale. In regards to creating a functional human tissue, several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of tissue-specific decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM)-based bioinks with 3D bioprinting technology. It has demonstrated excellent merit of a higher level of biofunctionality for the generation of inherent environmental niches than other available hydrogels. However, dECM bioinks have poor printability and physical properties, resulting in limited shape fidelity and scalability. In this study, I introduced a light-activated dECM (dERS) bioink containing a photoinitiator based on a ruthenium complex and sodium persulfate. The materials can be polymerized via a dityrosine-based crosslinking system with rapid reaction kinetics and improved mechanical properties. Using the dERS bioinks, I developed 3D bioprinting processes for fabricating microscale and macroscale tissue constructs with shape stability and geometric complexity. Furthermore, living tissue constructs can be safely fabricated with excellent tissue regenerative capacity identical to that of pure dECM. dERS may serve as a platform for a wider biofabrication window through building scalable living constructs as well as supporting tissue-specific performances to encapsulated cells. This capability of dERS opens new avenues for bioprinting hydrogel-based constructs without additional materials and processes, applicable in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.