3D printing nanocomposite hydrogels with lattice vascular networks using stereolithography

Hydrogels have emerged as leading candidates to reproduce native extracellular matrix. To provide structures and functions similar to tissues in vivo, controlled porosity and vascular networks are required. However, fabrication techniques to introduce these are still limited. In this study we propose stereolithography as a fabrication technique to achieve 3D vascular networks using water-based solvents only. A 3D printable hydrogel is formulated based on available commercial chemicals such as acrylamide (AAm) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate 700 (PEGDA700), with nanocellulose crystals (CNC) as a nanofiller. An optimisation procedure to increase resolution, tune porosity as well as mechanical properties is developed. The results highlight the importance of photoabsorber addition to improve channel resolution. We demonstrate that with the adequate choice of chemicals and fillers for photocurable formulations, structural and functional properties of the fabricated scaffold can be tailored, opening the path for advanced applications.

Automated summary

Hydrogels are important materials for mimicking the structure and function of tissues in vivo, but there are still limited fabrication techniques for controlling porosity and vascular networks. In this study, stereolithography was used to create 3D vascular networks, with the ability to customize the structural and functional properties of the fabricated scaffold by selecting appropriate chemicals and fillers.