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International Journal of Bioprinting Dual tuning of 3D-printed SilMA hydrogel

Figure 1. Preparation and characterization of SilMA-based hydrogels with NF-enhanced mechanics and PEO-induced porosity. (A) The 1H-NMR spectra
of SF and SilMA. (B) FTIR spectra of SF, SilMA, freeze-dried SilMA hydrogels, and PEO/SilMA hydrogels after 2-day immersion in deionized water.
(C) Photographs of three-dimensional-printed hydrogel scaffolds of SilMA, 1%NF/SilMA, 2%NF/SilMA, PEO/SilMA, PEO/1%NF/SilMA, and PEO/2%NF/
SilMA. Abbreviations: 1H-NMR, proton nuclear magnetic resonance; FTIR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; NF, nanofibers; PEO, poly(ethylene
oxide); SEM, scanning electron microscopy; SF, silk fibroin; SilMA, silk methacryloyl.

of PEO, PEO/1%NF/SilMA and PEO/2%NF/SilMA due to the higher NF concentration per interfacial area
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groups showed improved NFs distribution uniformity exceeding optimal dispersion capacity, whereas the 1%
compared to 1%NF/SilMA and 2%NF/SilMA groups. formulation maintains favorable spatial distribution under
The PEO/1%NF/SilMA group achieved optimal NF equivalent geometric constraints. Rhodamine B staining
dispersion within the hydrogel matrix and along pore was achieved by conjugating the dye with the SilMA cross-
walls, whereas minor NF aggregation persisted in the linking network, enabling red fluorescence emission from
PEO/2%NF/SilMA group. This phenomenon might be the hydrogel matrix while the pores appeared dark. The

Volume 11 Issue 4 (2025) 284 doi: 10.36922/IJB025140118