Available Technologies

­Executive Summary

Three dimensional (3D) bioprinting is an emerging field that involves producing tissue structures with 3D printing techniques. Examples include bone tissue/fillers, synthetic skin, scaffolds for drug delivery and tissues for dental repair. Common 3D bioprinting methods include extrusion, stereolithography and microfluidics-based techniques. For 3D printing hard tissues, osteopromotive elements are required and much research has focused on the addition of particles such as bioactive glass (BaG), hydroxyapatite and silica to these formulations. However, to date these particles have been physically associated with bioink ingredients, and this results in inhomogeneity of particle dispersion and poor cell viability, possibly due to stresses imparted during printing.

MSU researchers have recently developed a novel gelatin methacrylol (GelMA) bioink composition with a uniform distribution of inorganic materials, This new system provides osteopromotive effect and biocompatibility as well as antimicrobial properties to the printed constructs, which reduces the potential for infection. When cured with ultraviolet (UV) light, the formulation improves tissue uniformity and cell viability compared to other systems.

Description of Technology

This invention is a novel GelMA bioink composition containing silver and covalently bonded BaG. The invention further involves a unique method of preparation that produces the uniform distribution of the inorganic materials. The bioink of this invention can be further combined with a range of cell types, or other ingredients such as pharmaceutical agents, growth factors and adjuncts.

Benefits

• Reduced sheer stress on printed cells
• Uniform printed cell constructs
• Enhanced levels of additives possible
• Improved cell viability for 3D printed structures
• Antimicrobial properties; reduced bacterial infection

Applications

• Tissue and organ repair, reconstruction and replacement
  • bone, cartilage, vascular, nerve
  • soft tissue/skin
  • burn and trauma wound treatment
• Dentistry
  • Infection treatment of periimplantitis, periodontitis
• Pharmacology
  • Drug discovery constructs
  • Drug release
• Orthopedics
  • Medical implant coating (hip joints, etc.)
  • Treatment of osteoporotic fractures

Patent Status

Published PCT application

References

Posted BioRxiv article

Licensing Rights

Full licensing rights available

Inventors

Dr. Nureddin Ashammakhi, Dr. Xanthippi Chatzistavrou

TECH ID

TEC2021-0080