AN ENZYME-TRIGGERED CROSS LINKING APPROACH FOR SHAPE 3D-PRINTING OF CELL-LADEN SCAFFOLDS FOR AN ADVANCED BONE TISSUE REGENERATION

Abstract

Various pathologies contribute to the occurrence of bone defects - from osteoporosis and cancer to reconstructive surgeries, congenital deformities, and traumatic injuries. Despite the advantages of auto-, allo- and other bone grafts, in clinical practice, they face many limitations such as donor site morbidity, incompatibility with native tissue, etc. Regenerative bioengineering today offers innovative approaches using engineered materials, including soft and hard biomaterials that closely mimic the extracellular matrix's (ECM) structure. In this work, a new biomaterial suitable for extrusion 3D bioprinting is introduced. The advantages are that it meets the criteria for bone defect treatment, namely pore interconnectivity and porosity (d > 150 µm), biodegradability, and biocompatibility due to enzymatic crosslinking.