Light-Activated Decellularized Extracellular Matrix-Based Bioinks for Volumetric Tissue Analogs at the Centimeter Scale

Tissue engineering requires not only tissue-specific functionality but also a realistic scale. Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) is presently applied to the extrusion-based 3D printing technology. It has demonstrated excellent efficiency as bioscaffolds that allow engineering of living constructs with elaborate microarchitectures as well as the tissue-specific biochemical milieu of target tissues and organs. However, dECM bioinks have poor printability and physical properties, resulting in limited shape fidelity and scalability. In this study, new light-activated dECM bioinks with ruthenium/sodium persulfate (dERS) are introduced. The materials can be polymerized via a dityrosine-based cross-linking system with rapid reaction kinetics and improved mechanical properties. Complicated constructs with high aspect ratios can be fabricated similar to the geometry of the desired constructs with increased shape fidelity and excellent printing versatility using dERS. Furthermore, living tissue constructs can be safely fabricated with excellent tissue regenerative capacity identical to that of pure dECM. dERS may serve as a platform for a wider biofabrication window through building complex and centimeter-scale living constructs as well as supporting tissue-specific performances to encapsulated cells. This capability of dERS opens new avenues for upscaling the production of hydrogel-based constructs without additional materials and processes, applicable in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Automated summary

The new light-activated dECM bioinks with ruthenium/sodium persulfate (dERS) introduced in this study have improved printing performance and mechanical properties, enabling the fabrication of complex constructs with increased shape fidelity, expanding the biofabrication possibilities.