A Gelatin Methacrylate-Based Hydrogel as a Potential Bioink for 3D Bioprinting and Neuronal Differentiation

Author(s)

Cruz, Elisa Marozzi ; Machado, Lucas Simoes ; Zamproni, Laura Nicoleti ; Bim, Larissa Valdemarin ; Ferreira, Paula Scanavez ; Pinto, Leonardo Alves ; Pessan, Luiz Antonio ; Backes, Eduardo Henrique ; Porcionatto, Marimelia Aparecida

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PHARMACEUTICS; v. 15, n. 2, p. 22-pg., 2023-02-01.

Abstract

Neuronal loss is the ultimate pathophysiologic event in central nervous system (CNS) diseases and replacing these neurons is one of the most significant challenges in regenerative medicine. Providing a suitable microenvironment for new neuron engraftment, proliferation, and synapse formation is a primary goal for 3D bioprinting. Among the various biomaterials, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) stands out due to its Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) domains, which assure its biocompatibility and degradation under physiological conditions. This work aimed to produce different GelMA-based bioink compositions, verify their mechanical and biological properties, and evaluate their ability to support neurogenesis. We evaluated four different GelMA-based bioink compositions; however, when it came to their biological properties, incorporating extracellular matrix components, such as Geltrex (TM), was essential to ensure human neuroprogenitor cell viability. Finally, Geltrex (TM): 8% GelMA (1:1) bioink efficiently maintained human neuroprogenitor cell stemness and supported neuronal differentiation. Interestingly, this bioink composition provides a suitable environment for murine astrocytes to de-differentiate into neural stem cells and give rise to MAP2-positive cells. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/12605-8 - Development of brain-on-a-chip microplataforms for in vitro modeling of the central nervous system
• Grantee: Marimélia Aparecida Porcionatto
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/12454-0 - 3D bioprinting of reactive astrocyte-derived neural stem cells
• Grantee: Elisa Marozzi Cruz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 20/11374-2 - Investigation of the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection of neurons and astrocytes on neuroinflammation using 3D bioprinted neural tissue
• Grantee: Eduardo Henrique Backes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/27415-2 - Bioactive scaffolds with surface modification by plasma
• Grantee: Luiz Antonio Pessan
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/14327-8 - Subarachnoid haemorrhage-in-a-chip
• Grantee: Laura Nicoleti Zamproni
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral