Boosting up printability of biomacromolecule based bio-ink by modulation of hydrogen bonding pairs

Abstract

This study describes low dose UV curable and bioprintable new bioink made of hydrogen bond donor-acceptor adaptor molecule 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate (NCO)modified gelatin (NCO-Gel). Our theoretical calculations demonstrate that insertion of 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate doubles the interaction energy (500 meV) between gelatin chains providing significant contribution in interchain condensation and self-organization as compared to methacrylic anhydride modified gelatin (GelMA). The NCO-Gel exhibits peak around 1720 cm−1 referring to bidentate hydrogen bonding between H-NCO and its counterpart OCNH. These strong interchain interactions drive chains to be packed and thereby facilitating UV crosslinking. The NCO-Gel is exhibiting a rapid, 10 s gelation process by the exposure of laser (3 W, 365 nm). The dynamic light scattering characterization also reveals that NCO-Gel has faster sol to gel transition as compared to GelMA depending on the UV curing time. The NCO-Gel was found to be more firm and mechanically strong that provides advantages in molding as well as bioprinting processes. Bioprinted NCO-Gel has shown sharp borders and stable 3D geometry as compared to GelMA ink under 10 s UV curing time. The cell viability tests confirm that NCO-Gel facilitates cell proliferation and supports cell viability. We foresee that NCO-Gel bioink formulation provides a promising opportunity when low dose UV curing and rapid printing are required.