Native Collagen Ink for 3D Printing Without Crosslinking Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collagen-based 3D printing inks lack sufficient consistency and firmness without crosslinking agents, and existing extraction methods reduce crosslinking density, impacting their biological and mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A collagen ink is developed with native collagen fibers dispersed in an acidic aqueous medium, maintaining the triple helix structure and providing suitable viscosity for 3D printing without the need for crosslinking agents, achieved through specific processing steps including washing, maceration, and mechanical mincing of collagen-containing tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If collagen is processed using conventional extraction and purification methods, then the collagen can be obtained for use, but the crosslinking density is reduced which impacts mechanical properties and biological response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary collagen fibers from tissue while preserving their native crosslinked structure, avoiding conventional purification methods that remove crosslinks. The collagen is separated from tissue matrix through mechanical means rather than chemical extraction, maintaining the natural crosslinking density and mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The native collagen crosslinks serve their own structural and mechanical function without requiring additional chemical crosslinking agents or complex purification processes. The natural crosslinking system is preserved and utilized directly, eliminating the need for interventions that would compromise crosslinking density.
2Strength
If crosslinking agents are added to collagen to achieve sufficient consistency and firmness, then the ink can be used for 3D printing, but the biological compatibility and native structure are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The collagen provides its own structural support and firmness through its native crosslinked network, eliminating the need for external crosslinking agents. The natural triple helix structure and intermolecular crosslinks inherently provide the necessary mechanical strength for 3D printing while maintaining full biological compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and processing parameters of collagen to achieve printability without chemical modification. By controlling fiber alignment, density, and mechanical processing, the collagen attains sufficient firmness and consistency for 3D printing while preserving its native structure and biological properties.
3Ease of operation
If collagen fibers are mechanically processed to reduce size for extrusion, then the ink can be printed through narrow nozzles, but the structural integrity and native configuration may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts physical parameters such as fiber length distribution, diameter, and packing density to achieve optimal extrusion properties. The collagen fibers are mechanically processed to appropriate sizes for nozzle passage while maintaining their native triple helix configuration and crosslinked structure, balancing printability with structural integrity.
4Ease of manufacture
If soluble collagen is used to create a matrix, then the material is available for use, but the printed structure lacks sufficient integrity without crosslinking agents
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using soluble collagen that requires crosslinking, the patent extracts insoluble native collagen fibers that inherently possess structural integrity. These fibers are separated from tissue while preserving their crosslinked network, providing immediate structural stability in the printed construct without requiring additional crosslinking agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the composite nature of native collagen fibers, which consist of triple helix molecules crosslinked into fibrils and fibers. This hierarchical composite structure provides inherent mechanical strength and structural integrity, eliminating the need for chemical crosslinking while maintaining reliability of the printed structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The ink maintains structural integrity and biological compatibility, allowing for stable and resistant constructs in 3D printing applications, with enhanced biocompatibility and biodegradability, supporting cell adhesion and proliferation without the use of crosslinking agents.
Implementation Method 1
a collagen ink for 3D printing comprising a dispersion of native collagen fibers in an acid medium at a concentration by weight of between 0.1% and 10% with a pH between 0.5 and 5
Implementation Method 2
specific processing steps including washing, maceration, and mechanical mincing of collagen-containing tissues
Data Source
AI summary
A collagen ink for printing 3D structures includes a dispersion of native collagen fibers in an acid medium. The collagen ink can be obtained from a collagen-containing tissue. A method for 3-D printing includes neutralizing the collagen ink to a physiological pH, mixing the collagen ink with cells, and printing a 3D structure.