Fabrication of Stiffness Gradients of GelMA Hydrogels Using a 3D Printed Micromixer

authored by

Antonina Lavrentieva, Tabea Fleischhammer, Anton Enders, Hamidreza Pirmahboub, Janina Bahnemann, Iliyana Pepelanova

Abstract

Many properties in both healthy and pathological tissues are highly influenced by the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix. Stiffness gradient hydrogels are frequently used for exploring these complex relationships in mechanobiology. In this study, the fabrication of a simple, cost-efficient, and versatile system is reported for creation of stiffness gradients from photoactive hydrogels like gelatin-methacryloyl (GelMA). The setup includes syringe pumps for gradient generation and a 3D printed microfluidic device for homogenous mixing of GelMA precursors with different crosslinker concentration. The stiffness gradient is investigated by using rheology. A co-culture consisting of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD-MSCs) and human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) is encapsulated in the gradient construct. It is possible to locate the stiffness ranges at which the studied cells displayed specific spreading morphology and migration rates. With the help of the described system, variable mechanical gradient constructs can be created and optimal 3D cell culture conditions can be experientially identified.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Technical Chemistry
Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics

Type

Article

Journal

Macromolecular bioscience

Volume

20

ISSN

1616-5187

Publication date

20.07.2020

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Biomaterials, Polymers and Plastics, Materials Chemistry

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1002/mabi.202000107 (Access: Open)