Issue 20, 2015

An overview of the suitability of hydrogel-forming polymers for extrusion-based 3D-printing

Abstract

This review evaluates hydrogel-forming polymers that are suitable for soft tissue engineering with a focus on materials that can be fabricated using additive manufacturing (3D-printing). An overview of the specific material requirements for hydrogel-based tissue engineering constructs is presented. This is followed by an explanation of the various hydrogel-forming polymer classes that includes a detailed examination of material properties that are critical for extrusion printing. Specifically, mechanisms for hydrogel formation, degradation, and biological response, activity and compatibility are explored. A discussion of extrusion printing strategies for printable hydrogel-forming polymers is then presented in conjunction with a list of considerations to guide future tissue engineering developments.

Graphical abstract: An overview of the suitability of hydrogel-forming polymers for extrusion-based 3D-printing

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
28 Febr. 2015
Accepted
28 Apr. 2015
First published
29 Apr. 2015

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2015,3, 4105-4117

Author version available

An overview of the suitability of hydrogel-forming polymers for extrusion-based 3D-printing

D. M. Kirchmajer, R. Gorkin III and M. in het Panhuis, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2015, 3, 4105 DOI: 10.1039/C5TB00393H

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