Development of a Specialized Bioink Based on Naturally Occurring Biomaterials for 3D Bioprinting

According to the Public Relations Office of the College of Engineering, researchers at the University of Tehran’s School of Mechanical Engineering have developed this specialized bioink through two research studies published in highly regarded scientific journals. Their work involved designing and fabricating specialized DLP/DMD-based bioprinting equipment and developing a process for synthesizing and characterizing gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA). This achievement could represent a significant step toward advancing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine technologies.

One of the major challenges in 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering is the development of safe, biocompatible bioinks suitable for fabricating living tissues. In this context, a collaborative research project was conducted at the University of Tehran by Dr. Mohsen Hamedi and Ramyar Hosseinzadeh, with the findings published in two scientific articles in international journals.

The research aimed to develop bioinks based on naturally occurring materials found in the human body, preserving their biocompatibility while enabling their potential application in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

In the first stage, the researchers synthesized and characterized gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), a biomaterial widely used in 3D bioprinting. Gelatin is derived from collagen, the most abundant structural protein in the human body, which constitutes a major component of the extracellular matrix in many tissues.

The study investigated the methacrylation of gelatin and the incorporation of methacrylate groups into its protein structure. The researchers also developed methods to quantify the degree of methacrylation and accurately determine the extent of gelatin’s chemical modification. The results demonstrated that precise control and measurement of the degree of methacrylation play a crucial role in determining the mechanical properties, crosslinking density, structural stability, and biological performance of the resulting hydrogels. These methods may also contribute to standardizing GelMA production for tissue engineering research.

Building on the findings of this initial stage, the researchers proceeded to develop a visible-light-sensitive bioink. In this system, gelatin methacryloyl served as the base material, while riboflavin (vitamin B2) was used as a photoinitiator. Riboflavin is a naturally occurring vitamin in the human body that can be activated by blue light at a wavelength of approximately 450 nanometers.

The use of visible light instead of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the key advantages of this research, as it may reduce the risk of damage to living cells and tissues. Experimental results demonstrated that the developed system could produce hydrogels with suitable mechanical properties, favorable printability, and high biocompatibility.

Commenting on the significance of the research, Dr. Hamedi stated:

“One of the main objectives of these studies was to develop bioprinting systems that rely, to the greatest extent possible, on natural and biocompatible materials while reducing the risks associated with the conventional use of ultraviolet light. Gelatin, derived from collagen, and riboflavin, a naturally occurring vitamin that enables visible-light-induced printing, provide opportunities to design safer bioinks and reduce cell membrane damage for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.”

Ramyar Hosseinzadeh, a researcher involved in the project, added:

“This research began with the synthesis and quantification of GelMA and subsequently led to the development of a visible-light-sensitive bioink. The findings demonstrate that materials naturally occurring in the human body can be used to design systems with suitable performance for bioprinting and tissue regeneration, offering considerable potential for further development in future medical applications.”

The researchers believe that this achievement could pave the way for a new generation of biological scaffolds and 3D-printed constructs for regenerating tissues such as bone, cartilage, skin, and other damaged tissues.

The findings have been published in two Q1-ranked international scientific journals, with reported impact factors of 7.9 and 8.0, respectively:

• Read the first article

• Read the second article

This research contributes to the advancement of emerging technologies in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine and to the expansion of 3D bioprinting applications in disease treatment and the regeneration of damaged tissues.