3D Printing of Highly Stretchable and Tough Hydrogels into Complex, Cellularized Structures

Adv Mater. 2015 Jul 15;27(27):4035-40. doi: 10.1002/adma.201501099. Epub 2015 Jun 1.

Abstract

A 3D printable and highly stretchable tough hydrogel is developed by combining poly(ethylene glycol) and sodium alginate, which synergize to form a hydrogel tougher than natural cartilage. Encapsulated cells maintain high viability over a 7 d culture period and are highly deformed together with the hydrogel. By adding biocompatible nanoclay, the tough hydrogel is 3D printed in various shapes without requiring support material.

Keywords: 3D printing; cellularized structure; nanoclay; poly (ethylene glycol)-alginate; tough hydrogel.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alginates / chemistry
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Calcium / chemistry
  • Cations, Divalent / chemistry
  • Cell Survival / physiology
  • Glucuronic Acid / chemistry
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Hexuronic Acids / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels* / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Mechanical Phenomena
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / physiology
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional*
  • Tissue Scaffolds* / chemistry
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Alginates
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Cations, Divalent
  • Hexuronic Acids
  • Hydrogels
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Glucuronic Acid
  • Calcium