Significance
3D bioprinting is a promising technique for the fabrication of cell-laden constructs for applications as in vitro models or for therapeutic applications. Despite the previous development of numerous hydrogel bioinks, there still remain challenging considerations in the design of bioinks. In this study, we present a unique cytocompatible hydrogel ink with gallol modification that is inspired by rapid fruit browning phenomena. The gallol hydrogel ink has three important properties: i) it shows immediate gelation by dynamic, reversible bonds for shear-thinning extrusion, ii) it allows spontaneous stabilization by subsequent covalent crosslinking after printing, and iii) it is printable on tissues by adhesive properties of gallol moieties. As such, this work presents a new approach in the design of hydrogel inks.
Statement of significance
3D bioprinting is a promising technique for the fabrication of cell-laden constructs for applications as in vitro models or for therapeutic applications. Despite the previous development of numerous hydrogel bioinks, there still remain challenging considerations in the design of bioinks. In this study, we present a unique cytocompatible hydrogel ink with gallol modification that is inspired by rapid fruit browning phenomena. The gallol hydrogel ink has three important properties: i) it shows immediate gelation by dynamic, reversible bonds for shear-thinning extrusion, ii) it allows spontaneous stabilization by subsequent covalent crosslinking after printing, and iii) it is printable on tissues by adhesive properties of gallol moieties. As such, this work presents a new approach in the design of hydrogel inks.