SEOULTECH researchers develop bioink for tissue repair

Researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SEOULTECH) have developed a bioink made from nanocellulose derived from Kombucha SCOBY.

This bioink can be applied directly to damaged tissue using a handheld device known as a digital biopen. This advancement offers a convenient solution for healing wounds in various medical situations.

The research team, led by Professor Insup Noh, aims to support tissue repair through a scaffold for cell growth. Their bioink is particularly suitable for emergency and first-aid settings.

Tissue engineering combines 3D printing with bioink to create replacements for damaged tissues, including skin and cartilage. The new bioink offers a sustainable alternative to conventional materials.

This bioink can be loaded into the ‘Biowork’ biopen, which the team also developed. The biopen enables precise application to irregular surfaces, such as large wounds and damaged cartilage.

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The research paper detailing this work was published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules on December 1, 2024. The paper became available online on October 28, 2024.

Professor Noh stated that their hydrogel network could serve as a platform for in vivo tissue engineering by integrating various biomolecules and drugs.

Kombucha SCOBY is a culture of bacteria and yeast used to ferment tea. It produces cellulose, a biodegradable and cell-compatible material. However, the nanocellulose’s structure needed modification for effective bioprinting.

Researchers partially hydrolyzed the nanocellulose with acetic acid to improve its flow properties. They reinforced the material with chitosan and kaolin nanoparticles to stabilize the hydrogel for bioprinting.

The bioink was created by mixing live cells and other ingredients within the biopen. The biopen features two counter-rotating screws that ensure a homogeneous mix for direct application onto damaged tissue.

In tests, the biopen facilitated the creation of detailed structures, such as tubes and pyramids exceeding 1 cm in height. It also allowed for layer-by-layer printing of irregularly shaped defects.

This bioink and biopen combination offers a cost-effective method for treating large or irregular wounds without needing traditional in vitro regeneration processes. Professor Noh notes that this technology allows for rapid, on-site application to various injuries.

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