Characterization of κ‐carrageenan/methylcellulose/cellulose nanocrystal hydrogels for <scp>3D</scp> bioprinting
Wannisa Boonlai, Vimon Tantishaiyakul, Namon Hirun
Abstract
Abstract Bioinks 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.