Eggshell Membrane Hydrogel Bioink for Stronger 3D Bioprinting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioinks for extrusion-based bioprinting lack both biological activity and high mechanical properties, necessitating a composition that can support cell culture and provide structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogel comprising hydrophilic thickening polymers and rod-shaped, needle-shaped, or fibrous particles of eggshell membrane in an aqueous medium, with specific particle sizes and concentrations, forming a biocompatible bioink for 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If natural polymers (alginate, chitosan, collagen, gelatin) are used as bioink materials, then biological activity is provided, but mechanical properties remain low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines natural polymers (alginate, chitosan, collagen, or gelatin) with eggshell membrane particles to create a composite bioink material. This composite structure allows the natural polymer to provide biological activity while the eggshell membrane particles reinforce the mechanical strength and structural integrity of the printed construct.
2Strength
If synthetic polymers (PEG) are used as scaffold materials, then mechanical properties are improved, but biological activity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses eggshell membrane particles as a natural, biologically active reinforcement component that can be combined with synthetic or natural polymers. The eggshell membrane particles provide mechanical strength while maintaining biological compatibility, replacing the need for purely synthetic polymers like PEG.
3Strength
If hydrogel concentration is increased to improve mechanical properties, then structural integrity is enhanced, but cell viability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration of eggshell membrane particles (0.1-5% w/v) and hydrogel polymer concentration to achieve the desired balance between mechanical strength and cell viability. This parameter optimization allows the formation of a stable gel structure that provides structural support while maintaining porosity and biochemical cues necessary for cell survival.
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 hydrogel composition offers both biological activity and high mechanical properties, enabling the production of biocompatible 2D and 3D products such as organoids, organs, and tissues with improved structural integrity and cell viability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one hydrophilic thickening polymer
Implementation Method 2
thickening polymer
Implementation Method 3
particles of eggshell membrane, in an amount of less than 5% by weight of the total weight of the composition
Implementation Method 4
which can be covalently (chemically) or physically (ionic, hydrogen bonds or hydrophobic effect) crosslinked
Implementation Method 5
Hydrogels are mainly composed of water entrapped in a 3D network of molecules
Data Source
AI summary
A composition which is a hydrogel including, in an aqueous medium: at least one hydrophilic thickening polymer, and particles of eggshell membrane, in an amount of less than 5% by weight of the total weight of the composition, wherein the particles are rod-shaped, needle-shaped or fibrous, having a specific particle size. Also described is a bioink including the composition, a method for manufacturing a 2D or 3D product using the hydrogel, a kit including the hydrogel or bioink, and to uses thereof.