Extrudable Photocrosslinkable Hydrogel for Bioprinting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D bioprinting technologies face challenges in formulating bioinks that exhibit mechanical properties matching the tissue to be regenerated, with existing materials often damaging structures and limiting the incorporation of therapeutic molecules and cells, and failing to replicate the extracellular environment needed for tissue regeneration.

Innovation Solution

Development of an extrudable photocrosslinkable hydrogel comprising a biochemically modified extracellular matrix with an electroconductive nanomaterial, a photoinitiator, and a solvent, which allows for precise control of mechanical properties and electroconductivity, enabling the creation of scaffolds and constructs suitable for in situ defect-filling, tissue regeneration, and bioprinting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If UV curing and crosslinking processes are used to obtain materials with structural integrity, then mechanical stability is improved, but therapeutic molecules and cells are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoiddamage to therapeutic molecules and cells

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light from traditional UV (200-400 nm) to visible light (400-700 nm), specifically using blue light at 450±50 nm. This parameter change allows crosslinking to occur at longer wavelengths that do not damage therapeutic molecules and cells while still achieving the required structural integrity and mechanical stability of the hydrogel material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical crosslinking mechanism (which requires harsh UV curing) with a photocrosslinking mechanism using visible light and a photoinitiator system. This substitution eliminates the need for damaging UV radiation while maintaining the crosslinking function required for structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional bioinks are used for 3D bioprinting, then printing process is simplified, but mechanical properties of printed materials fail to match the tissue to be regenerated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting process simplicityVSAvoidmechanical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite bioink system combining decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) with a photopolymerizable monomer (PEGDA) and a visible-light photoinitiator. This composite formulation maintains the simplicity of the printing process while achieving mechanical properties that closely match native tissues through the synergistic combination of natural ECM components and crosslinking chemistry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces PEGDA as an intermediary crosslinking agent that bridges the natural dECM components. This intermediary enables controlled crosslinking under visible light to achieve the desired mechanical properties without requiring complex printing process modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If photocrosslinking reactions are used to control gelation, then gelation control is improved, but mechanical properties and structural integrity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegelation controlVSAvoidmechanical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes multiple parameters including photoinitiator concentration (0.05-5% w/v), monomer concentration (5-50% v/v), and light intensity (10-100 mW/cm²) to achieve both precise gelation control and adequate mechanical properties. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains ease of operation while achieving the required structural integrity for tissue regeneration applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides enhanced structural stability, biocompatibility, and electroconductivity, facilitating cell proliferation and tissue regeneration while maintaining shape fidelity and integrity, making it suitable for various regenerative and research applications.

Implementation Method 1

photocrosslinking reactions were carried out to control gelation and mechanical properties of the extruded material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotocrosslinking: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

an electroconductive nanomaterial embedded

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12194193B2Extrudable photocrosslinkable hydrogel and method for its preparation

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 UNIV DE LOS ANDES

AI summary

The present invention relates to an extrudable photocrosslinkable hydrogel comprising a biochemically modified extracellular matrix (ECM) with an electroconductive nanomaterial embedded; a photoinitiator and a solvent, the method for its preparation starting from decellularized extracellular matrices (dECMs) and its applications for preparing electroconductive scaffolds, electroconductive extrudable hydrogels for in situ defect-filling, conductive grafts, in situ or in vitro printed tissues or organs, adhesives for different tissues, or bone adhesives.