Methacrylated Cellulose Nanofibril Inks for 3D Print Fidelity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ink formulations for 3D bioprinting with nanocellulose-based bioinks face challenges in maintaining ink fidelity and mechanical integrity during and after printing, while also requiring high biocompatibility for cell culture applications.

Innovation Solution

The development of methacrylated cellulose nanofibril-based ink formulations with controlled charge density and cross-linking agents, allowing for stable hydrogel formation and UV-crosslinking, which are biocompatible and support cell culture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If nanocellulose-based bioinks are used for 3D bioprinting, then biocompatibility and renewable material benefits are improved, but ink fidelity and mechanical integrity during printing deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidink fidelity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically adjusting the charge density of nanocellulose (from highly charged TEMPO-oxidized CNF to medium-charged to neutral CNF) and methacrylate substitution degree to optimize both biocompatibility and printability. This resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal parameter range where ink fidelity is maintained while preserving biological functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite materials by combining nanocellulose with methacrylate crosslinking agents and optional bioactive components (GelMA, GGMMA, peptides). This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of mechanical integrity during printing and biocompatibility for cell culture applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If crosslinking agents are added to improve mechanical strength of printed scaffolds, then mechanical integrity is improved, but formulation complexity and processing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidformulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical crosslinking methods with photochemical crosslinking using UV-initiated methacrylate reactions. This substitution simplifies the formulation by enabling crosslinking control through light exposure rather than complex chemical mixing or mechanical processing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates methacrylate groups预先 on the nanocellulose surface, so that crosslinking capability is built into the base material. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate crosslinking agent addition steps, reducing formulation complexity while maintaining mechanical strength enhancement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If highly charged nanocellulose (TEMPO-oxidized) is used, then dispersion stability is improved, but methacrylation efficiency and quantification accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispersion stabilityVSAvoidmethacrylation degree quantification

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the charge density parameter of nanocellulose from high (TEMPO-oxidized) to medium or neutral levels. This parameter adjustment maintains adequate dispersion stability while removing the interference that prevented accurate methacrylation quantification, thereby resolving the measurement precision issue.

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 formulations provide 3D hydrogel scaffolds with tunable mechanical strength, high biocompatibility, and excellent ink fidelity, enabling complex geometry construction and supporting cell proliferation and differentiation.

Implementation Method 1

The ink formulations are capable of 3D printing, and the formulations may be printed into scaffolds for example for cell culture and drug screening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

nanocelluloses have emerged as renewable constituents in formulating bioinks, which are extrudable thanks to the shear-thinning rheological properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear thinning: Shear Thinning

Implementation Method 3

cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) have been crosslinked during printing by addition of aqueous Ca2+ solution, followed by a post-printing chemical crosslinking with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20250320367A1Ink formulation, method of producing the same and uses of the ink formulation

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 ABO AKAD

AI summary

The present invention relates to ink formulations based on methacrylated cellulose nanofibrils. In particular, the present invention concerns ink formulations for 3D printing, comprising a hydrogel containing methacrylated cellulose nanofibrils and preferably a cross-linking agent, optionally together with biological material, methods of producing such ink formulations, as well as uses thereof for, e.g., preparing 3D hydrogel scaffolds for cell culture and drug screening.