Page 9 - IJB-10-3

International

Journal of Bioprinting

REVIEW ARTICLE
Exploring the potential of supramolecular

hydrogels as advanced bioinks for bioprinting
and biomedical applications

Gopinathan Janarthanan 1† id , Shyam Kokkattunivarthil Uthaman 2† id ,
Karthik Murugesh 2 id , and Sanjairaj Vijayavenkataraman * id
1,3
1 The Vijay Lab, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab
Emirates
2 Research and Development Department, EcoWorld Pharm Co. Ltd, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do,
South Korea
3
Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, New York
University, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America

Abstract
Supramolecular hydrogels have emerged as versatile bioinks in tissue engineering,
providing a promising avenue for constructing intricate and functional biological
structures. This paper explores the significance of employing supramolecular
hydrogels as advanced bioinks for three-dimensional bioprinting and various
biomedical applications. Supramolecular hydrogels possess distinct and tunable
† These authors contributed equally characteristics attributed to the dynamic nature of supramolecular host–guest
to this work. interactions alongside interactions based on DNA and peptides, which increases
their significance in tissue engineering. These interactions are essential for enhancing
*Corresponding author:
Sanjairaj Vijayavenkataraman the mechanical properties, injectability, printability, post-printing stability, and
(vs89@nyu.edu) biocompatibility of hydrogels. Gelation kinetics and rheological properties can

Citation: Janarthanan G, also be manipulated to suit specific printing techniques. Furthermore, these

Uthaman SK, Murugesh K, supramolecular interactions facilitate the incorporation of bioactive molecules
Vijayavenkataraman S. Exploring to regulate cellular behavior and tissue development. These diverse interactions

the potential of supramolecular
hydrogels as advanced bioinks observed in supramolecular hydrogels underscore their ability to emulate the
for bioprinting and biomedical dynamic and responsive nature of the cell’s extracellular matrix, which fosters cell
applications. Int J Bioprint. growth, adherence, and differentiation. This review specifically highlights the
2024;10(3):3223.
doi: 10.36922/ijb.3223 cucurbit[n]uril and cyclodextrin-based host–guest supramolecular hydrogels, as
well as peptide and DNA-based supramolecular structures as advanced bioinks and
Received: March 20, 2024
Accepted: May 2, 2024 brief examples of their applications in various biomedical fields. These advanced
Published Online: June 11, 2024 bioinks would drive the development of intricate tissue constructs with enhanced
biomimicry and therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine.
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s).
This is an Open Access article
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution Keywords: Supramolecular hydrogels; Advanced bioinks; Host–guest;
License, permitting distribution, 3D bioprinting; DNA bioinks; peptide bioinks
and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is
properly cited.
Publisher’s Note: AccScience
Publishing remains neutral with 1. Introduction
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional Hydrogels are three-dimensional (3D)-crosslinked networks of polymers formed
affiliations. from versatile materials. They are known for their exceptional ability to absorb water

Volume 10 Issue 3 (2024) 1 doi: 10.36922/ijb.3223