Page 416 - IJB-10-3

International

Journal of Bioprinting

RESEARCH ARTICLE
Enhancing cell proliferation in three-dimensional

hydrogel scaffolds using digital light processing
bioprinting technology

Yejin Choi , Jeong Wook Seo 1,2† , Goo Jang , Woo Kyung Jung , Yong Ho Park ,
1†
3
2,4
2
and Hojae Bae *
1,5
1 Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, KU Convergence Science and
Technology Institute, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
2 NoAH Biotech Co., Ltd., Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
3 Laboratory of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science,
College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute of Veterinary Science, Seoul National
University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Korea
4 Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-
ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
5 Institute of Advanced Regenerative Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu,
Seoul, Republic of Korea
(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Light-Based Bioprinted Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering)

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is gradually emerging as a popular technique
driving as a new paradigm in tissue engineering. Enhancing cell proliferation
† These authors contributed equally
to this work. and engraftment within volumetric 3D-bioprinted scaffolds is a key challenge
in its implementation. However, basic exploratory studies on cell proliferation
*Corresponding author: enhancement in 3D-bioprinted scaffolds using digital light processing (DLP)
Hojae Bae
(hojaebae@konkuk.ac.kr) technology are still lacking. Traditionally, microchannels in scaffolds have been
regarded as non-functional, empty spaces. In this paper, however, we propose
Citation: Choi Y, Seo JW,
Jang G, Jung WK, Park YH, Bae H. that microchannels implanted in DLP-bioprinted scaffolds can provide space for
Enhancing cell proliferation in cell proliferation, giving a new definition to microchannel function. To this end, we
three-dimensional hydrogel scaffolds used fish gelatin methacrylate (F-GelMA) as a bioink with photocurable properties,
using digital light processing
bioprinting technology. Int J Bioprint. followed by functional evaluation and optimization through rheological analysis.
2024;10(3):2219. The morphology of DLP-printed scaffolds using the bioink was analyzed, and their
doi: 10.36922/ijb.2219 biocompatibility was demonstrated through cell viability analysis. Microchannels of
Received: November 9, 2023 three different sizes were implanted to facilitate oxygenation, nutrient delivery, and
Accepted: February 1, 2024 media flow by addressing structural barriers identified via morphological analysis.
Published Online: March 28, 2024
Cell viability and proliferation rates in outer and inner microchannels were then
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s). comparatively analyzed. During the long-term culture period (about 5 weeks), the
This is an Open Access article differences in proliferation rates due to changes in the media flow environment
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution were assessed. The results demonstrated that cell survival, growth, and proliferation
License, permitting distribution, were significantly enhanced within the DLP-printed scaffolds in which the cells were
and reproduction in any medium, encapsulated. This approach lends itself useful for basic exploratory study utilizing
provided the original work is
properly cited. 3D culture technology in the realms of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering,
where effective cell proliferation relative to the same volume is required.
Publisher’s Note: AccScience
Publishing remains neutral with
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional Keywords: Tissue engineering; Digital light processing; Three-dimensional printing;
affiliations. Hydrogel scaffold; Cell proliferation; Microchannel

Volume 10 Issue 3 (2024) 408 doi: 10.36922/ijb.2219