Hydrogels as Promising Materials in 3D Printing Technology
Document Type : compile
10.22063/basparesh.2025.35798.1755
Abstract
Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks of molecules composed of highly hydrophilic polymer chains that can absorb water up to a thousand times their dry weight. Due to their high biocompatibility and processability, hydrogels have become a desirable choice for cell patterning using 3D bioprinting. 3D bioprinting is an innovative method that allows the fabrication of complex and pre-designed 3D architectures from biomaterials or living cells (bioinks). A key challenge in biomedical applications of 3D printing, unlike conventional industries, is the need for bioinks that are not only highly biocompatible but also closely mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). This limitation significantly limits the range of materials suitable for bioengineered structures. Hydrogels play a vital role in cell-based 3D bioprinting by mimicking the physical and biochemical properties of the ECM. Also, in the past few years, due to the advances in crosslinking methods and gelation mechanisms, more controlled physical and chemical properties of hydrogels have been achieved. Therefore, hydrogels are one of the best choices for bioinks after appropriate functional and structural design and can be used in the production of living organs. Various technologies are used in bioprinting, of which inkjet, laser, and extrusion 3D printing systems are the most suitable for printing hydrogels. Each bioprinting method is usually differs based on the rheological properties, crosslinking chemistry, and biocompatibility of the ink. Therefore, in the present article, the most important and best 3D printing methods for hydrogels are introduced first. Then, the different properties of hydrogels and finally the different crosslinking methods and crosslinking hydrogels for 3D printing purposes are discussed. The research results show that there are different criteria for the suitability of hydrogels in 3D bioprinting, therefore a balance must be established between all parameters to create a suitable bioprintable material for various biomedical needs.
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