Engineered Polypeptide Bioink for 3D Printed Scaffolds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biopolymers used in 3D printing for scaffolding can cause immune reactions and require processing at physiologically compatible temperatures, while cells need to adhere well to the matrix to maintain biological activity and differentiation status, necessitating a biopolymer similar to the natural extracellular matrix.

Innovation Solution

A polypeptide with specific amino acid sequences that maintains high sequence identity, suitable for use in aqueous solutions at physiological temperatures, is used to create a biocompatible ink for 3D printing, which can be functionalized with networkable groups and hardened using light-based 3D printing processes to form a scaffold compatible with living cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional biopolymers are used for 3D printing scaffolds, then the scaffolds can provide structural support, but they can trigger immune reactions because the immune system recognizes them as foreign proteins

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidimmune reaction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the amino acid sequence parameters of the biopolymer to achieve at least 90% sequence identity with human collagen, thereby changing the biochemical parameters to reduce immune recognition while maintaining structural functionality for 3D printing scaffolds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material system combining the engineered polypeptide with natural extracellular matrix components, resulting in a hybrid scaffold material that mimics native tissue composition and reduces immune response

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If biopolymers are processed at high temperatures to achieve desired properties, then the material properties improve, but the processing temperature exceeds physiologically tolerable ranges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial propertiesVSAvoidprocessing temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thermal parameters of the biopolymer through amino acid sequence engineering, enabling the material to achieve desired mechanical properties and structural stability at lower, physiologically tolerable temperatures below 40°C

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces thermal processing mechanisms with biochemical self-assembly mechanisms, where the polypeptide forms functional structures through controlled self-organization at physiological temperatures rather than requiring high-temperature mechanical processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If cells are incorporated into the biopolymer matrix during scaffold construction, then the scaffold supports tissue development, but the cells must find a physiological environment and develop good adhesion to maintain biological activity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell biological activityVSAvoidcell adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces localized functional domains within the polypeptide structure that specifically enhance cell adhesion properties at cell-contact interfaces, while other regions maintain structural support functions, creating heterogeneous local properties within the uniform scaffold

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a homogeneous biopolymer matrix with uniform biochemical composition that closely resembles native extracellular matrix, providing consistent physiological environment and adhesion properties throughout the scaffold for optimal cell behavior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

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 polypeptide-based ink allows for the creation of biocompatible 3D scaffolds that support cell adhesion and biological activity, enabling the production of tissues and organs suitable for medical implantation with improved immune compatibility and structural complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The polypeptide is in the liquid state in an aqueous solution at concentrations of 10 weight percent per volume (% w/v) at temperatures of 18°C and above

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic interaction:

Implementation Method 2

The polypeptide maintains high sequence identity to natural extracellular matrix proteins, enabling aqueous solubility at physiological temperatures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding:

Implementation Method 3

the polypeptide can be functionalized with networkable groups and hardened using light-based 3D printing processes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP4501955A1Polypeptide for 3D printing ink

Publication Date: 2025.02.05 CELLBRICKS GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a polypeptide that is ideally suited for use in a 3D printing ink. The present invention also relates to a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide according to the invention, and to a host cell expressing the polypeptide according to the invention. A further embodiment is a method for producing a 3D printing ink, wherein the ink contains a polypeptide. Further embodiments relate to methods for producing a 3D scaffold and the 3D scaffold obtainable by these methods, including for use in medicine.