Rourkela: In a significant advancement in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, a research team at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela has developed a novel bio-ink that can be used for 3D bioprinting of tissue-like structures.
Bio-inks, which are essential materials used in 3D bioprinting, play a crucial role in fabricating biological tissues. However, their widespread application has been limited due to the lack of materials that simultaneously offer mechanical strength, biological compatibility, and printability.
Addressing this challenge, Devendra Verma, Associate Professor, along with research scholars Shreya Chrungoo and Tanmay Bharadwaj from the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, has developed a high shape-fidelity protein–polysaccharide bio-ink suitable for bone and cartilage repair.
The research findings have been published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. The team has also secured a patent titled “A High Shape-Fidelity Protein-Polysaccharide Composite Bioink for 3D Bioprinting” for the developed technology.
The bio-ink has been formulated by combining bovine serum albumin (BSA), sodium alginate, and polyelectrolyte complexes of gelatin and chitosan (PEC-GC). This composition creates a bioactive system that supports cell growth while maintaining structural integrity during and after the printing process.
“Our goal was to bridge the long-standing gap between printability and biological performance in bio-inks,” said Verma. “The developed system not only ensures high precision in printing but also promotes cellular functions and tissue regeneration, bringing us closer to clinically viable bioprinted constructs.”
Laboratory trials revealed that the bio-ink closely mimics the extracellular matrix of bone tissue, facilitating cell attachment, adhesion, and proliferation. The printed scaffolds also demonstrated strong mechanical properties, enabling them to retain their shape and functionality post-printing.
Notably, scaffolds containing 2% PEC-GC recorded over 90% cell viability and showed promising potential for bone tissue formation and collagen synthesis.
Highlighting its practical applications, research scholar Shreya Chrungoo said, “The developed bio-ink provides a versatile platform for fabricating patient-specific scaffolds with precise geometry and biological functionality, making it highly promising for regenerative medicine.”
The research team plans to conduct animal studies to further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the bio-ink, which will be followed by clinical trials.
With its potential to enable the creation of patient-specific tissue structures, the innovation is expected to open new avenues in personalised healthcare and therapeutic applications.
