Light-based bioprinting

IBEC is currently exploring other fabrication techniques for the development of 3D skeletal muscle-based actuators.

Internship student Roja Baumann, who has Bachelor’s degree in Biomimetics from the City University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Bremen), came to IBEC in October and will stay there until February, working on the Light-based 3D bioprinter (Lumen X) to fabricate muscle-based actuators, which we briefly mentioned in our Newsletter.

During this period, Roja will develop and optimize different bioinks for the fabrication of bioactuators based on skeletal muscle cells using Light-based 3D printing with Lumen X bioprinter.

1. Lumen X
Lumen X – general view
2. Lumen X - printing platform
Lumen X – closer view of the printing platform
This fabrication technique is based on the controlled exposure to UV light to induce the crosslinking of photopolymerized materials, such as methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) or methacrylated PEGDA, in order to obtain 3D structures with high resolution and speed. The high resolution of light-based 3D printing allows us to fabricate structures in the meso-micro scale with very defined shapes, also with cavities that could be interesting for the development of constructs with vascularity, for example. The photo on the right shows an example of the structures being printed with PEGDA and GelMA. Simple circular shapes where muscle cells are cultured on top to check their biocompatibility and interactions with these materials.
3. Printed disk with PEGDA
Printed disc with PEGDA
Roja is now focused on optimizing various bioinks to enhance cell proliferation and cell differentiation of C2C12 cells within the printed bioink. Specifically, she is working with bioinks composed of GelMA, PEGDA with modified ingredients, and the combination of GelMA with PEGDA in different ratios. The goal is to formulate a bioink that mimics the extracellular matrix as closely as possible, ensuring a stable consistency and compatibility with the Lumen X for precise printing.
Left to right: 1. PEGDA+fibrinogen; 2. PEGDA+fibronectin; 3. PEGDA+collagen; 4. PEGDA; 5. GelMA; 6. PEGDA25%+GelMA75%; 7.PEGDA50%+GElMA50%.
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This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101070328.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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