Characterization of κ‐carrageenan/methylcellulose/cellulose nanocrystal hydrogels for 3D bioprinting

Abstract

AbstractBioinks composed of various concentrations of κ‐carrageenan (KC) and methylcellulose (MC) were investigated for extrusion‐based bioprinting. The physical property of the 0.3% w/w KC/7% w/w MC (0.3KC/7MC) hydrogel was successfully enhanced using ionic crosslinking with 0.1% w/w KCl (0.1KCl). Furthermore, various concentrations of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) were incorporated into the 0.3KC/7MC/0.1KCl hydrogel to increase its mechanical performance. Shear thinning and thixotropic properties are important for extrusion‐based bioprinting. The presence of 2% w/w CNC (2CNC) and 4% w/w CNC (4CNC) in the hydrogels (0.3KC/7MC/0.1KCl/2CNC and 0.3KC/7MC/0.1KCl/4CNC) led to good thixotropic behavior. In addition, increasing CNC concentrations showed greater shear thinning behavior. Furthermore, 0.3KC/7MC/0.1KCl/4CNC exhibited better printability than 0.3KC/7MC/0.1KCl/2CNC. The compressive mechanical property was significantly higher in the presence of CNC with compressive stress at 30% strain for 0.3KC/7MC/0.1KCl, 0.3KC/7MC/0.1KCl/2CNC and 0.3KC/7MC/0.1KCl/4CNC of 6.43 ± 0.41, 20.03 ± 0.02 and 23.28 ± 0.01 kPa, respectively. A good cell viability (>90%) was obtained for the 3D bioprinted 0.3KC/7MC/0.1KCl/2CNC and 0.3KC/7MC/0.1KCl/4CNC constructs. The novel 0.3KC/7MC/0.1KCl/4CNC hydrogel showed good attributes for a promising 3D bioprinting material. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.