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International Journal of Bioprinting Supramolecular hydrogels as bioinks

can be challenging in developing advanced bioinks. real-world applications, especially in tissue engineering
Designing functional building polymer blocks that can and regenerative medicine.
assemble in a predictable and programmable manner Advancing the clinical translation of supramolecular
requires in-depth knowledge of non-covalent interactions hydrogels and related complexes presents numerous
and their influence on the assembly process. However, obstacles, including biocompatibility and safety concerns,
as previously indicated, weak non-covalent interactions, production scale constraints, regulatory compliance,
typically responsible for maintaining supramolecular understanding in vivo behavior, and ensuring therapeutic
groups, could influence bioink stability and reversibility. efficacy. Addressing these challenges necessitates
Ensuring the stability of these assemblies in different rigorous review, efficient manufacturing processes, clear
environments, such as in solution or at interfaces, can be regulatory requirements, a better understanding of
a challenge. Additionally, controlling the reversibility of biological interactions, and optimization methodologies
the assembly/disassembly processes is crucial for their for consistent therapeutic outcomes. Interdisciplinary
practical applications. approaches are essential for overcoming these challenges.
Achieving the desired supramolecular structure often Hence, continued research and innovation are necessary
involves a balance between kinetic and thermodynamic to unlock the full potential of supramolecular hydrogel
factors. Kinetic control directs the assembly pathway, bioink synthesis and translate it into clinical applications
while thermodynamic control stabilizes the most favorable across various biomedical fields.
structure. Striking this balance can be challenging and
requires careful consideration when selecting the bioink 8. Conclusion
composition. Scaling up supramolecular bioink synthesis In summary, this review has explored advancements in
to produce larger quantities of functional structures supramolecular hydrogels, emphasizing their crucial role in
and maintaining reproducibility across batches pose tissue engineering, especially in the context of 3D bioprinting.
additional difficulties. The formulation of adaptable supramolecular polymer-
Supramolecular hydrogels hold great potential in NP hydrogels represents a significant stride, providing
tissue engineering, yet they face several challenges. versatile features like biodegradability, cytocompatibility,
The comparatively feeble mechanical properties of and customizable composition. Positioned as promising
supramolecular hydrogels compared to other hydrogels bioinks, these hydrogels demonstrate cytocompatibility,
can restrict their use in load-bearing applications. fostering cell growth and differentiation, thereby making
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Additionally, devising novel and efficient methods them attractive for 3D bioprinting applications. These
to regulate hydrogel degradation is essential, as hydrogels have the capability to confer self-healing
supramolecular hydrogels are often more susceptible to properties, shear-thinning behavior, tunable mechanical
degradation than covalently crosslinked hydrogels. 169 properties, and adjustable degradability. The incorporation
of relevant biological macromolecules further enhances
Characterizing supramolecular hydrogel bioinks can the usefulness of these materials. The exploration of
be technically challenging due to their dynamic nature different chemistries, such as CB[n]-based, CD-based,
and transient interactions. Traditional characterization peptide-based, and DNA-based hydrogels, reveals a diverse
techniques, such as X-ray crystallography and nuclear landscape. These hydrogels, extending beyond tissue
magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, may not always engineering, demonstrate applications in drug delivery,
be applicable. Combining different techniques or adapting wound healing, and other innovative uses, highlighting their
existing methods to study the structural and dynamic broad potential and versatility. Despite these advancements,
properties of supramolecular assemblies is an ongoing challenges remain in characterizing the dynamic nature of
challenge. Optimization is needed for compatibility supramolecular assemblies and addressing compatibility
with various physiological environments and systems, as issues for seamless integration into devices or materials.
incorporating supramolecular structures into bioprinted Nevertheless, the future of supramolecular hydrogel
constructs requires addressing stability, processability, synthesis and applications appears promising. As we
and interface compatibility challenges. Ensuring the venture into this exciting frontier, interdisciplinary research
desired functional performance with properties, such as will be essential to shape the trajectory of supramolecular
selectivity, responsiveness, and stability over extended hydrogel development and utilization. Future research may
periods, is critical for their successful implementation in focus on precision in tuning hydrogel properties for specific

Volume 10 Issue 3 (2024) 28 doi: 10.36922/ijb.3223