Gelatin Concentration Research Articles

Effect of gelatin concentration, ribose and glycerol additions on the electrospinning process and physicochemical properties of gelatin nanofibers

Rheological properties of gelatin-based solutions containing different concentrations of ribose and/or glycerol were assessed before electrospun mats were manufactured and their properties investigated. Characterization included morphology, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, solubility, swelling, the release of Maillard reaction (MR) products and their antioxidant activity. Gelatin concentrations ≥ 16 % w/v favoured the formation of smooth nanofibres in the electrospinning process due to their higher viscosity than for gelatin concentrations ≤ 14 % w/v. The diameters of the nanofibres were between 300 and 400 nm, irrespective of the concentration of gelatin and the additives. Heat treatments (80–110 °C) of the samples induced MR between gelatin and ribose, which provided the mats with water stability. Nevertheless, the fibrous morphology only remained for those mats heat-treated at 110 and 100 °C and containing 10 and 20 wt% ribose, respectively, after sample immersion in water. Heat treatment at 110 °C, along with glycerol addition, resulted in a decrease of solubility (from 100 to ∼ 9 %) and provided a water absorption capacity (1,500–2,500 %), due to the crosslinking of ribose and glycerol with gelatin. Release of MR antioxidant compounds from the mats into water exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity values up to 38 % (0.61 GAE µg/mL).

МЕХАНИЧЕСКИЕ СВОЙСТВА БИОРАЗЛАГАЕМЫХ КОМПОЗИТОВ НА ОСНОВЕ ПОЛИЭТИЛЕНА И ЖЕЛАТИНА

As a result of this study, we have obtained polymer blends that are based on linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and gelatin, and received data on biodegradation, mechanical properties, and amounts of compounds produced from blending of graft copolymer and free gelatin. It was found that as the amount of maleic groups in the polyethylene macromolecule increases, the amount of graft copolymer grows, and an increase in the content of gelatin in the blend leads to a noticeable rise in the elastic modulus, tensile strength, and a decrease in elongation at break. It was also found that the rate of biodegradability increases with a growth of the content of gelatin in the blend, biological degradation was observed in the first 10 days at 54 %, up to a maximum of 58 %. It was maintained that maximum degree of grafting LLDPE-g-MA and gelatin to each other depends on the amount of maleic anhydride in the graft copolymer; maximum degree of grafting appeared to be higher with increased amount of maleic anhydride in the composites.

3D-Printed Gelatin-Alginate Hydrogel Dressings for Burn Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Study.

Burn wound treatment is still a clinical challenge due to the severity of tissue damage and dehydration. Among various wound dressings, hydrogel materials have gained significant attention for burn wound treatment in clinical practice due to their soothing and moisturizing activity. In this study, 3D-printed dressings were fabricated using clinically relevant hydrogels for deep partial-thickness burn (PTB) wounds. Different ratios of gelatin and alginate mixture were 3D-printed and examined in terms of rheological behavior, shear thinning behavior, mechanical properties, degradation rate, and hydration activity to tune the hydrogel composition for best functionality. The cell-laden dressings were bioprinted to evaluate the effect of the gelatin: alginate ratio on the proliferation and growth of human dermal fibroblasts. The present findings confirm that the higher alginate content is associated with higher viscosity and Young's modulus, while higher gelatin content is associated with faster degradation and higher cell viability. Together, the 3D-printed dressing with 75% gelatin and 25% alginate showed the best tradeoff between mechanical properties, hydration activity, and in vitro biological response. Findings from in vivo test using the most effective dressing showed the positive effect of 3D-printed porous pattern on wound healing, including faster wound closure, regenerated hair follicles, and non-traumatic dressing removal compared to the non-printed hydrogel with the same composition and the standard of care. Results from this research showed that 3D-printed dressings with an adequate gelatin: alginate ratio enhanced wound healing activity for up to 7 days of moisture retention on deep PTB wounds.

Effect of extraction methods on the properties of tilapia scale gelatins

Three types of tilapia scale gelatins (hot water-pretreated gelatin, HWG; acetic acid-pretreated gelatin, AAG; and pepsin enzyme-pretreated gelatin, PEG) were extracted and their gel strength, foaming properties, and emulsifying properties were analyzed. They had different gel strength values: AAG (370 ± 10 g Bloom) > HWG (320 ± 10 g Bloom) > PEG (280 ± 10 g Bloom). The creaming index values of tilapia scale gelatin-stabilized fish oil-loaded emulsions were dependent on gelatin type (HWG ≈ AAG > PEG) at low gelatin concentration (2 mg/mL), whereas they were similar and low (8–10 %) at high gelatin concentration (10 mg/mL). Extraction methods had no consistently significant effects on the gelatin foaming properties. In summary, tilapia scale gelatins had better gel strength and foaming properties and similar or even better emulsifying properties than mammalian gelatins. Therefore, tilapia scales could be a potential source of gelatins to replace mammalian gelatins.

Effects of Acidulants on the Rheological Properties of Gelatin Extracted from the Skin of Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus).

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of lactic acid (LA), citric acid (CA), and malic acid (MA) varying in concentration (0.5–2.0% w/w) on the rheological properties of fish gelatin (1.5–6.67% w/w) obtained from the skin of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). The addition of LA, CA, or MA in gelatin dispersions significantly (p < 0.05) weakened their gel strengths, leading to a 14.3–62.2 reduction in gel strength. The gel strength, elastic (G′), and viscous (G″) moduli, as well as the gelling (TG) and melting (TM) temperatures of gelatin dispersions decreased with an increased level of acid added, implying the weakening effects of these acids on junction zones of the gelatin network in aqueous media. The addition of LA had less effect on these rheological properties of gelatin dispersions as compared to that of MA and CA, which were consistent with their effects on the pH of gelatin dispersions. Moreover, the reductions of TG and TM for gelatin dispersions with a higher gelatin concentration (e.g., 6.67% gelatin with 0.5% LA, TG dropped 0.4 °C) due to the addition of LA, CA, or MA were less pronounced compared to those with a lower gelatin content (e.g., 2% gelatin with 0.5% LA, TG dropped 7.1 °C), likely attributing to the stronger buffering effect of the high gelatin dispersion and less percentage reduction in the junction zones in the dispersion due to the addition of an acid. Incorporation of the effects of acids on the linear relationships (R2 = 0.9959–0.9999) between the square of gelatin concentrations and G′ or G″ could make it possible to develop a model to predict G′, G″, phase transition temperatures of gelatin dispersions containing different amounts of gelatin and acid (within the tested range) in the future.

Solvent types used for the preparation of hydrogels determine their mechanical properties and influence cell viability through gelatine and calcium ions release.

Alginate-gelatin hydrogels are the most commonly used materials for 3D bioprinting. Their printability depends on their properties, and these derive from the way they are prepared and their very composition. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the type of solvent (deionized water, phosphate buffer, and culture medium) and contents of gelatin in the composition of hydrogel (2% wt/vol alginate, 6% and 9% wt/vol of gelatin) on their biological, physicochemical, and mechanical properties, as well as printability and the ability of cells to proliferate in the printed structures. The results obtained revealed that all the manufactured hydrogel materials are biocompatible. The use of deionized water as a solvent results in the highest degree of cross-linking of hydrogels, thus obtaining a polymer with the highest rigidity. Moreover, an increase in gelatin content leads to an increase in the Young's modulus value, irrespectively of the solvent in which the hydrogels were prepared. Based on the chemical structure, it is more reasonable to use a culture medium for bioink preparation due to free NH and NH2 groups being present, which are ligands for cell attachment and their proliferation. For the selected material (2A9GM), the printability and high viability of the cells after printing were confirmed. In this case, the concentration of the cross-linking agent influences gelatin amount release and calcium ions release, and these two processes determine the change in the viability of the cells encapsulated in the bioink.

DEAE- Cellulose-based composite hydrogel for 3D printing application: Physicochemical, mechanical, and biological optimization

3D bioprinting is a layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process that requires the incorporation of biomaterials, cells, growth factors, etc. The biomaterial-ink used in bioprinting should comprise essential properties like shear thinning, proper viscosity and reduced shear stress on cells, structural integrity, porosity, biocompatible and degradable, etc., Especially in extrusion-based bioprinting, optimization of biomaterial ink is critical. Even though single-aspect biomaterials have been used for establishing a biomaterial ink, however, they often fail to meet all properties needed to be used as a biomaterial ink. Carrying this point in view, we have formulated hydrogels using Diethylaminoethyl Cellulose (DEAE-Cellulose), Alginate (ALG), and Gelatin (GEL) as biomaterial inks. Initially, six different hydrogel formulations (F1-F6) were prepared with varying concentrations of DEAE- Cellulose (0.45%−2%), alginate (1%−2%), and keeping gelatine concentration constant at 3.33%. These formulations were then assayed by swelling and degradation tests. Out of six, three hydrogels (F3, F4, and F5) were eliminated after initial studies due to the rapid degradation rate. The other three hydrogels ( F1, F2, and F6) were further thoroughly analyzed by the rheological study, mechanical study, printability assay, morphological analysis, and biocompatibility assays. Here, We have demonstrated the successful formulation of three biomaterial inks utilizing three different biopolymers for the field of tissue engineering with adequate swelling, degradation, rheological and printability properties. It was observed that the incorporation of DEAE-Cellulose significantly improved the shear thinning and viscosity recovery of hydrogels. Also, it improves mechanical integrity and printing accuracy. Moreover, all three hydrogels have shown excellent hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility. To conclude, this study proposes the optimization of composite hydrogel for 3D printing applications.

Effect of gelatin on the solubility and diffusivity of normal pentane in the poly (vinyl alcohol)/Gelatin blends

In this work, we investigated the effect of Gelatin on the solubility and diffusivity of normal pentane in poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/Gelatin (Gel) blends. The processibility of PVA was enhanced after adding the gelatin as plasticizer to PVA which gelatin could extend the process widow of PVA with destroying the hydrogen bonding of the polymer matrix. Therefore, the PVA/Gel blends with different concentrations were prepared by simple solution-casting method. The intermolecular suitable interactions in PVA/Gel blends were confirmed using the FTIR, XRD and SEM/EDX analyzes. In the following, the effect of various factors like temperature, pressure and gelatin content on the thermodynamic parameters like specific free volume, solubility and diffusivity was investigated. It was shown that there was a relationship between the specific free volume of the blends with the solubility and diffusivity of normal pentane in blends. The specific free volume of blends was determined by applying the PVT data and the Sanchez-Lacombe (SL) equation of state, in which it was enhanced with increasing of the temperature and gelatin in blends, respectively. Also, the solubility and diffusivity of normal pentane in samples were determined by the magnetic suspension balance (MSB) system. The results presented that the solubility and diffusivity of n-pentane improved with increasing of gelatin content in blend, pressure and temperature decrement, respectively.

Acid Gelation Properties of Camel Milk—Effect of Gelatin and Processing Conditions

This study investigated the effects of glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) concentrations (0.8–1.2%, w/w), gelatin content (0.6–1.0%, w/w) and processing conditions on the properties of camel milk acid gels. Although the pH of camel milk reduced to 4.3 within 4 h of acidification at 1.0% GDL, it was unable to form a suitable gel for a yoghurt-like product unless gelatin was added. At 0.8% gelatin, camel milk gels had similar hardness, lower viscosity and rheological strength, and higher water holding capacity as compared to cow milk gels. Heating of camel milk (85 °C/15–20 min), 2-stage homogenization (150/50 bar) or their combination did not significantly affect the water holding capacity, hardness, viscosity, rheological strength and microstructure of camel milk gels. These processing conditions did not affect protein integrity as confirmed by sodium dodecyl-sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis.

Polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin hydrogels regulate cell adhesion and chromatin accessibility

Cell adhesion has a critical influence on various processes such as cancer metastasis and wound healing. Many substrates have been used for studying cell adhesion and its related biological processes, it is still highly desirable to have a simply prepared and low-cost substrate suitable for regulating cell adhesion. In this study, we produced a series of polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin hydrogels with different gelatin concentrations via dry-annealing method. Our data showed that the protein adsorbing capability was enhanced and cell adhesion area and the ratio of non-spherical cells were increased with the increment of gelatin concentration. We also observed that varying cell adhesion conditions induced by polyvinyl alcohol /gelatin hydrogels resulted in expression level changes of genes involved in mechanotransduction from extracellular matrices (ECM) to the nucleus. In particular, we detected a widespread increase in chromatin accessibility under poor cell adhesion condition. This work provides a useful hydrogel system for regulating cell adhesion and opens up new possibilities for the design of biomaterials for cell adhesion study.

Rheological and Adaptive Neuro-fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) Modeling of Ice Cream at Different Gelatin Concentrations Produced by Liquid Nitrogen Infusion Technique

Rheological and Adaptive Neuro-fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) Modeling of Ice Cream at Different Gelatin Concentrations Produced by Liquid Nitrogen Infusion Technique

Novel and effective hemostats based on graphene oxide-polymer aerogels: In vitro and in vivo evaluation.

In this study, graphene oxide (GO)-based aerogels cross-linked with chitosan (CS), gelatin (GEL), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were characterized and their hemostatic efficiencies both in vitro and in vivo were investigated and compared to commercial materials (ChitoGauze®XR and Spongostan™). All aerogels exhibited highly porous structures and a negative surface charge density favorable to their interaction with blood cells. The in vitro studies showed that all aerogels coagulated >60% of the blood contained in their structures after 240s of the whole-blood clotting assay, the GO-CS aerogel being the one with the highest blood clotting. All aerogels showed high hemocompatibility, with hemolytic rates <5%, indicating their use as biomaterials. Among them, the GO-GEL aerogel exhibited the lowest hemolytic activity, due possibly to its high GEL content compared to the GO amount. According to their blood clotting activity, aerogels did not promote coagulation through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. However, their surfaces are suitable for accelerating hemostasis by promoting alternative routes. All aerogels adhered platelets and gathered RBCs on their surfaces, and in addition the GO-CS aerogel surface also promoted the formation of filamentous fibrin networks adhered on its structure. Furthermore, in vivo evaluations revealed that all aerogels significantly shortened the hemostatic times and reduced the blood loss amounts compared both to the Spongostan™ and ChitoGauze®XR commercial materials and to the gauze sponge (control group). The hemostatic performance in vitro and in vivo of these aerogels suggests that they could be used as hemostats for controlling profuse bleedings.

Enhanced sustained responsive-systems based on anionically modified gelatin-containing hybrid gels: A route to correlate physico-mechanical and swelling properties

Anionically modified gelatin-based multi-responsive hybrid gels were prepared by free radical copolymerization of acrylamide (AAm) and itaconic acid (IA) in varying amounts of gelatin (GLN). Influence of composition on physicochemical and mechanical properties was assessed. Maximum degradation temperatures of hybrids increased with addition of GLN to PAAm/IA network. Equilibrium swelling of hybrid PAAm/IA-GLNs was studied in water as a function of GLN content in the range of 0.075–0.750% (w/v). By examining the variation of the compression elastic modulus of hybrids with GLN, a correlation was obtained for the dependence of the effective crosslink density on the GLN content. pH sensitive swelling of hybrids exhibited a double-step increase with the S-shaped curve around pH 4.7 and 8.0. In studies evaluating the swelling tendency in various solvents, Hofmeister series and various swelling temperatures, it was found that swelling kinetics in NaNO3 solutions proceeds by Fickian diffusion and Schott's pseudo-second order model can be effectively used to evaluate swelling kinetics. Hybrid gels were applied to adsorption of cationic methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) as model contaminating dyes from aqueous solutions. Accordingly, GLN-based hybrid gels could be a good adsorbent for the removal of cationic dyes from the contaminated waters.

Restoration of spinal cord biophysical microenvironment for enhancing tissue repair by injury-responsive smart hydrogel

Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a central nervous system disaster, resulting in the destruction of spinal cord structure and function and the formation of an adverse microenvironment at the SCI site. Various biomaterial-based therapeutic strategies have been developed to repair SCI by bridging spinal cord lesions. However, constructing a favorable biophysical microenvironment with biomaterials for spinal cord regeneration remains challenging because of the unmatched mechanical and electrical transmission properties with native spinal cords and the supra- or subtherapeutic dose release of biological molecules independent of SCI activity. Herein, we developed a new hydrogel with mechanical properties and conductivities comparable to those of native spinal cords by controlling gelatin and PPy concentrations. To endow the hydrogel with a biological function, glutathione (GSH) was conjugated on the hydrogel through gelatin-derived amine groups and GSH-derived sulfhydryl groups to prepare an MMP-responsive hydrogel with a recombinant protein, GST-TIMP-bFGF. The MMP-responsive conductive hydrogel could release bFGF on-demand in response to the SCI microenvironment and provide a favorable biophysical microenvironment with comparable mechanical and electrical properties to native spinal cords. In SCI model rats, the MMP-responsive bionic mechanical and conductive hydrogel could inhibit MMPs levels, promote axon regeneration and angiogenesis, and improve locomotion function recovery after SCI.

Preparation and characterization of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate)/gelatin composite nanofibrous

In order to compound gelatin (GEL) with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3,4HB)) to improve the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility, a simple and convenient method for preparing P(3,4HB)/GEL composite nanofibrous (P/G-CNF) was proposed. Alkyl Polyglycoside (APG) was used as an emulsifier to prepare a stable P(3,4HB)/GEL composite solution, and novel P/G-CNF was prepared by electrospinning. The intermolecular interaction, micromorphology and porosity, crystallization and mechanical properties, hydrophilicity and cytocompatibility of P/G-CNF were characterized. The results reveal that P(3,4HB), APG and GEL form many hydrogen bonds. When the m(P(3,4HB):GEL) is 10:2, the as-prepared nanofibrous exhibit the best micromorphology with a diameter and porosity of 604 nm and 68.33%. With the increasing GEL content, the crystallization and mechanical properties of P(3,4HB)/GEL composite nanofibrous scaffold (P/G-CNS) are further enhanced and decline after reaching the maximum. The hydrophilicity of P/G-CNS is significantly improved by introducing GEL. The cell proliferation rate of P/G-CNS is higher than 100%, of which the cytotoxicity grade is 0, indicating that it is non-cytotoxic. The P/G-CNS has excellent cytocompatibility and provides better cell attachment, growth and proliferation, showing promising application prospects for tissue regeneration and biomedical materials.

Floating sphere assay: A rapid qualitative method for microvolume analysis of gelation.

A huge, unprecedented demand for gelatin coupled with its implications on global sustainability has resulted in the need to discover novel proteins with gelling attributes for applications in the food industry. Currently used gelation assays require large sample volumes and thus the screening for novel gelling proteins is a formidable technical challenge. In this paper, we report the ‘Floating Sphere Assay’ which is a simple, economical, and miniaturized assay to detect minimum gelling concentration with volumes as low as 50 μl. Results from the Floating Sphere Assay are consistent with currently used methods for gelation tests and accurately estimate the Minimum Gelling Concentrations (MGCs) of gelatin, κ-carrageenan and gellan gum. The assay was also able to differentiate the strengths of strong and weak gellan gum gels prepared at pH 3.5 and pH 7.0 respectively. The Floating Sphere Assay can be utilized in high-throughput screens for gelling proteins and can accelerate the discovery of gelatin substitutes.

Chitosan nanoparticles encapsulated into PLA/gelatin fibers for bFGF delivery

Abstract Electrospinning is a trendy method because of the ease of use and the high surface-to-volume ratio. The mechanical and biological properties of polylactic acid (PLA) make it one of the most enticing polymers. Gelatin and PLA together are thought to enhance cellular behavior and hydrophilicity of scaffolds. Furthermore, chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) can be incorporated into PLA fibers to achieve controlled growth factor release. This study utilized PLA–gelatin nanofibrous scaffolds in which CNPs were encapsulated within PLA fibers to achieve a controlled release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). To produce CNPs, a simple ionic gelation reaction was used. The optimal diameter of CNPs was determined by investigating chitosan to tricalciumphosphatesodium (TPP) ratio and TPP concentration. Using a spectrophotometer, we measured the release rate of bFGF from CNPS and scaffolds. Images from a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to assess the effect of various concentrations of PLA and gelatin on fiber diameter. The results showed that PLA–gelatin scaffolds could stimulate the release of growth factors and promote cell proliferation. Using a two-jet electrospinning device to produce PLA–gelatin fibers in combination with CNPs incorporated within PLA fibers to release the bFGF growth factor is the novelty of this study.

Preparation and properties of the persulfate gel materials and application for the remediation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene contaminated groundwater

This study aims to develop persulfate new gel sustaining-release material (PGSR) and gelatin-gel sustaining-release material (G-PGSR) that can be injected into aquifers and slowly release S2O82− to groundwater. Compatibility and miscibility of colloidal silica gels and gelatin with S2O82− were tested. Morphologies of the as-prepared PGSR and G-PGSR were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR). Release characteristics of PGSR containing variable persulfate concentrations (from 1.25 wt% to 5 wt%), silica sol (from 30 wt% to 40 wt%), and gelatin (from 0.5 wt% to 2.0 wt%) were monitored. Viscosities of PGSR solution increased from 5 to 112 cP with increasing silica sol from 30 wt% to 40 wt% during the first 10 min. Viscosities of PGSR solution in 40 wt% silica sol increased to 346 cP within the 30 min and rapidly increased to 8000 cP within the next 30 min followed by the gelation phase. Gelation rates of the PGSR solution increased with increased persulfate concentrations from 1.25 wt% to 5.0 wt%. The maximum release rates achieved at 5 h in G-PGSR were 1.98 mg of S2O82− per min similar to that in PGSR. The release persulfate concentrations in G-PGSR suggested that gelatin and colloidal silica were both compatible and miscible with S2O82−. Meanwhile, the PGSR exhibits a characteristic two-phase increase in viscosity with increased silica sol concentrations, persulfate concentrations, and gelatin concentrations. Compared with the persulfate only system, the degradation efficiency of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) was achieved 91.5 % within 3 h, while 78.6 % and 66.9 % degradation efficiency were shown in PGSR and G-PGSR, respectively. The PGSR and G-PGSR both could create persistent oxidation degradation of 2,4-DNT. Results suggested that colloidal silica and gelatin could be used to create PGSR and G-PGSR for persistent oxidation in groundwater remediation.

Gelatin-Agar Liver Phantom to Simulate Typical Enhancement Patterns of Hepatocellular Carcinoma for MRI

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The objective of this study is to detect the various stages of HCC through the utilization of a dynamic liver phantom with MRI. Methods: Three liver phantoms composed of different gelatin concentrations (2.5%wt, 4.0%wt, and 5.0%wt) and fixed agar concentrations were used. The HCC samples consisted of agarose and glycerol and were of varying sizes (0.5,1.0, and 2.0cm). The chemical, mechanical, electrical, and imaging properties of the phantoms were examined. The consistency of T1 and T2 signal intensities over a six-week period was studied. In addition, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI was used to detect the HCC samples through the Dixon sequence. Results: The gelatin concentration of 5%wt was the most stable in regard to density, exhibited the lowest average compressive strength of 0.22MPa, and had the lowest electrical conductivity over the course of a six-week period. During this time, an increase in the T1 signal intensity was observed as the gelatin concentration in the sample increased. On the contrary, the least change in T1 and T2 was noted in the first sample with the 2.5% wt of gelatin. The HCC samples simulated the typical appearance of HCC, with the minimum sample size the body coil could detect being 1cm. Conclusion: Typical Enhancement patterns of HCC were simulated under MRI.

Development of agarose–gelatin bioinks for extrusion-based bioprinting and cell encapsulation

Three-dimensional bioprinting continues to advance as an attractive biofabrication technique to employ cell-laden hydrogel scaffolds in the creation of precise, user-defined constructs that can recapitulate the native tissue environment. Development and characterisation of new bioinks to expand the existing library helps to open avenues that can support a diversity of tissue engineering purposes and fulfil requirements in terms of both printability and supporting cell attachment. In this paper, we report the development and characterisation of agarose–gelatin (AG–Gel) hydrogel blends as a bioink for extrusion-based bioprinting. Four different AG–Gel hydrogel blend formulations with varying gelatin concentration were systematically characterised to evaluate suitability as a potential bioink for extrusion-based bioprinting. Additionally, autoclave and filter sterilisation methods were compared to evaluate their effect on bioink properties. Finally, the ability of the AG–Gel bioink to support cell viability and culture after printing was evaluated using SH-SY5Y cells encapsulated in bioprinted droplets of the AG–Gel. All bioink formulations demonstrate rheological, mechanical and swelling properties suitable for bioprinting and cell encapsulation. Autoclave sterilisation significantly affected the rheological properties of the AG–Gel bioinks compared to filter sterilisation. SH-SY5Y cells printed and differentiated into neuronal-like cells using the developed AG–Gel bioinks demonstrated high viability (>90%) after 23 d in culture. This study demonstrates the properties of AG–Gel as a printable and biocompatible material applicable for use as a bioink.