Eindhoven/Ghent — Smart BioMaterials Center (SBMC) and BIO INX have completed InCart-3D, a two-year project developing bioinks for 3D printing of bone and cartilage. The collaboration delivered a promising new formulation, expanded research capabilities and laid the groundwork for further development of materials for tissue regeneration.
The partners investigated digital light processing (DLP), which uses light to solidify liquid materials into precise, layered structures. BIO INX developed the inks; SBMC evaluated their interaction with living cells.
Supporting living cells
By refining an initial gelatin-based ink, BIO INX developed a new formulation combining gelatin and hyaluronic acid with a more cell-friendly light-activated chemistry. Approximately 90 per cent of cells incorporated during printing remained viable in laboratory experiments.
“This is an encouraging starting point for further tissue development,” says Bastiaan Ippel of SBMC. “By studying how cells respond to printed materials, we can help developers make informed choices about their formulations and processing methods.”
For bone-related applications, the partners explored surface treatments on printed structures made from the biodegradable polymer PCL. Comparing different treatments identified a promising combination that improved indicators associated with bone formation in laboratory cell models.
From research to further development
The findings provide a basis for continued research into cartilage formation and structures combining bone and cartilage materials. Further work will focus on biological validation, as well as the new ink’s storage stability and consistent performance.
“Developing a bioink means bringing printability, material properties and biological performance together,” says Aysu Arslan, CSO at BIO INX. “Working with SBMC has helped us refine that balance and establish a promising foundation for our next generation of bioinks.”
Expertise for new biomaterials
BIO INX will continue optimising the formulation towards possible commercialisation. SBMC will use its new DLP printing capabilities, protocols and biological testing expertise to support other companies and research organisations developing biomaterials. The partners intend to build on their complementary expertise through further collaboration.
InCart-3D was supported by the European Regional Development Fund through CrossRoads Flanders–Netherlands, part of Interreg Flanders–Netherlands. This support enabled the partners in North Brabant and East Flanders to combine their expertise and establish a foundation for further collaboration in biomaterial development.
