Acoustic droplet vaporization embedded in 3-D printed gelatin methacrylate hydrogels

Abstract

Gelatin Methacrylate (GelMA) is a popular hydrogel used for tissue engineering applications due to its biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, and rapid reproducibility. With its ability to be crosslinked with ultraviolet light exposure, GelMA can be 3-D printed into a variety of different shapes and geometries for customization for patient needs. We embedded phase-shift perfluorocarbon nanodroplets within the GelMA resin prior to 3-D printing. The droplets were then vaporized by external acoustic excitations determining the acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) and inertial cavitation (IC) thresholds of the embedded droplets. The ADV of embedded droplets in a tissue engineering scaffolds can be used for triggered release of droplet contents. Varying the size and liquid core composition of the droplets as well as the mechanical properties of GelMA, one can change the ADV and IC characteristics of the embedded droplets. We will present the results of our experiments and discuss their implications on the potential use of this technology in tissue engineering.