Inkjet printing and cell seeding thermoreversible photocurable gel structures
Manuela Di Biase, Rachel E. Saunders, Nicola Tirelli and Brian Derby
Soft Matter, 2011, 7, 2639-2646, DOI: 10.1039/C0SM00996B

Abstract

We have developed a biocompatible fluid suitable for inkjet delivery that gels by a tandem mechanism of a rapid physical gelation followed by a photoactivated chemical cross-linking. We prepared 20 vol% aqueous solutions of acrylate functionalised Pluronic F127, a poly(ethylene glycol-b-propylene glycol-b-ethylene glycol) (PEO–PPO), with triethanolamine and eosin Y as a photocurable cross-linker combination; poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate was also added to the solution to improve the sol–gel transition. This fluid has a viscosity <20 mPa s at 5 °C and is suitable for inkjet printing. We used a piezoelectric drop-on-demand inkjet printer at this temperature to print single and multilayer structures on a substrate held at room temperature. The dimensions of the resulting structures are consistent with models developed for the interaction of overlapping drops. After photocrosslinking the resulting gel structures, which are stable in an aqueous environment, were successfully seeded with fibroblast cells also delivered by an inkjet printer.

Inkjet printing and cell seeding thermoreversible photocurable gel structures

Manuela Di Biase, Rachel E. Saunders, Nicola Tirelli and Brian Derby

Soft Matter, 2011, 7, 2639-2646

DOI: 10.1039/C0SM00996B, Paper

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/13697021

Materials Today March 2011 Review

Israa K. Sabree graduated from University of Babylon in Iraq with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and later (2000) completed a Masters degree in Corrosion of Materials. She commenced a PhD at the School of Materials, University of Manchester under Professor Derby’s supervision in May 2010. Her research is on the Fabrication of Bioglasses by Stereolithography.

Tarif Ali graduated from the Lancaster University BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry (1997). He worked in industry for several years in quality control/assurance and achieved M&S Laboratory Accreditation in textile testing. In 2002, he completed a PGCE at Manchester for Secondary and Further Education specialising in Chemistry. Tarif has taught for many years at various schools including the historic Walton High School in Nelson which was honoured with a visit by HRH Prince Charles, which was later replaced with the new Pendle Vale College, a “Superschool”. Prior to joining the Derby Group, he became a Schools Support Officer for Lancashire County Council (2008). He commenced a CASE award PhD in October 2010 on “Inkjet printing of enzymes for Biosensor and Biofuel cell applications” under Professor Derby’s supervision. The PhD is sponsored by Applied Enzyme Technology Ltd. Tarif is also an Educational Support Tutor for LCC and currently runs a homework support clinic every Saturday at a local Community Centre.

Tarif Ali