3D Bioprinting with\nVisible Light Cross-Linkable Mucin-Hyaluronic\nAcid Composite Bioink for Lung Tissue Engineering

Abstract

3D printing can revolutionize personalized medicine by\nallowing\ncost-effective, customized tissue-engineering constructs. However,\nthe limited availability and diversity of biopolymeric hydrogels restrict\nthe variety and applications of bioinks. In this study, we introduce\na composite bioink for 3D bioprinting, combining a photo-cross-linkable\nderivative of Mucin (Mu) called Methacrylated Mucin (MuMA) and Hyaluronic\nacid (HA). The less explored Mucin is responsible for the hydrogel\nnature of mucus and holds the potential to be used as a bioink material\nbecause of its plethora of features. HA, a crucial extracellular matrix\ncomponent, is mucoadhesive and enhances ink viscosity and printability.\nPhoto-cross-linking with 405 nm light stabilizes the printed scaffolds\nwithout damaging cells. Rheological tests reveal shear-thinning behavior,\naiding cell protection during printing and improved MuMA bioink viscosity\nby adding HA. The printed structures exhibited porous behavior conducive\nto nutrient transport and cell migration. After 4 weeks in phosphate-buffered\nsaline, the scaffolds retain 70% of their mass, highlighting stability.\nBiocompatibility tests with lung epithelial cells (L-132) confirm\ncell attachment and growth, suggesting suitability for lung tissue\nengineering. It is envisioned that the versatility of bioink could\nlead to significant advancements in lung tissue engineering and various\nother biomedical applications.