Generation of 3D Bioprinted Gradient, Chiral, and Stimuli-Responsive Nanocomposite Hydrogels as Multifunctional Biomaterials for Cell-Biomaterial Interaction Studies

• Applicant: Dr. Nermin Seda Kehr
• Subject Area: Biomaterials ; Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials
• Term: from 2015 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 268394705

Tissue engineering aims to generate biomaterials that can mimic native tissues’ 3D anatomical geometries and functions. In this respect, much attention has been given to 3D bioprinting, in which cells in a biomaterial matrix are printed in defined 3D architectures. However, 3D bioprinting is at an early stage, and the materials printed up to date have limited properties. Therefore, advanced materials are needed to realize the 3D biofabrication of multifunctional 3D tissue constructs that provide the complex nature of native tissue properties in a single material. This requirement is essential for the material to ensure the close simulation of native tissue for realistic studies of cell-material interactions. To go beyond the current state of the art in 3D bioprinting and cell-material interaction studies, here we propose a challenging and multidisciplinary project that capitalizes on our expertise in nanocomposite (NC) hydrogels. We aim to generate the first example of a 3D bioprinted multifunctional NC hydrogel. This advanced material will be fabricated with - in a single, novel, multifunctional biomaterial - the following characteristics of native tissue: a) chemical and physical gradients, b) a mechanically strong hydrogel network, c) a defined 3D architecture, d) connection of different gradients, e) chirality, and f) a stimuli-responsive capability. In our approach, we will synthesize bifunctional chiral stimuli-responsive nanomaterials, for the construction of the respective NC hydrogels, which will be used with different cells for the preparation of “chiral nanocomposite bio-inks”. Then with our bio-inks in our hands we will generate 3D bioprinted gradient, chiral and stimuli responsive biomaterials with multiple functionalities. With these advanced constructs, we will simultaneously study the impact of all implemented material properties on cell behavior. Thus, this project will open new horizons in the field of 3D bioprinting and will have a strong impact on cell-material interaction research in tissue engineering.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants