Shrinkage of Alginate Hydrogel Bioinks Potentially Used in 3D Bioprinting Technology

Abstract

Hydrogels are cross-linked polymeric structures, which consist of up to approximately 90% water, the remainder is polymer chain. Retention of large volumes of water in the intermolecular space is related to the presence of hydrophilic functional groups in the network. The unique hydrogels properties, such as porosity, and biological and mechanical properties, make them suitable for a wide range of applications, especially in the medical sector. Furthermore, ease of modification and good printability are expected in 3D bioprinting technologies. Nevertheless, to maintain their structure and softness, hydrogels must be stored in suitable conditions to prevent water vaporization. The water removal from the hydrogel network results in weight reduction, structural and volumetric changes. It is a considerable challenge for the printouts manufactured by 3D bioprinting technology, where hydrogel products are exposed to drying during the production process, which may affect their shape change and shrinkage. The paper presents a crosslinking process of a hydrogel-based on sodium alginate and the shrinkage of dried hydrogels depending on the crosslinking procedure. An investigation focused on the alginate hydrogel water content, as well as shrinkage of alginate hydrogel degree depending on the concentration of the cross-linking (CaCl2) solution and the duration of the process. For longer cross-linking time or using higher cross-linking agent concentration, the cross-linking was more efficient. However, it is necessary to optimize the parameters for the bioprinting process.