Optimization of 3D bioprinting of periodontal ligament cells

Optimization of 3D bioprinting of periodontal ligament cells:

Publication date: Available online 8 October 2019
Source: Dental Materials
Author(s): Nimal Thattaruparambil Raveendran, Cédryck Vaquette, Christoph Meinert, Deepak Samuel Ipe, Saso Ivanovski

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting of cells is an emerging area of research but has been not explored yet in the context of periodontal tissue engineering.

Objective

This study reports on the optimisation of the 3D bioprinting of periodontal ligament cells for potential application in periodontal regeneration.

Methods

We systematically investigated the printability of various concentrations of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel precursor using a microextrusion based three-dimensional (3D) printer. The influence of different printing parameters such as photoinitiator concentration, UV exposure, pressure and dispensing needle diameter on the viability of periodontal ligament cells encapsulated within the 3D bioprinted construct were subsequently assessed.

Results

This systematic evaluation enabled the selection of the most suited printing conditions for achieving high printing resolution, dimensional stability and cell viability for 3D bioprinting of periodontal ligament cells.

Significance

The optimised bioprinting system is the first step towards to the reproducible manufacturing of cell laden, space maintaining scaffolds for the treatment of periodontal lesions.