Tuning collagen and collagen-alginate mechanics through extrusion bioprinting process parameters.

ABSTRACT: Bioprinting allows the fabrication of biopolymers into complex and hierarchical structures reminiscent of their organization in vivo. As the main structural protein found in connective tissues, type I collagen is of particular interest as a biomaterial due to its biochemical activity and ease of physical or chemical crosslinking. However, several limitations of collagen-based constructs include poor mechanical strength and inability to bear loads in dynamic conditions. Towards overcoming these challenges, this study explores the impact of higher concentration collagen bioinks (35 and 70 mg mL^-1) and the incorporation of an alginate hydrogel during synthesis to create designs with shape fidelity and tunable mechanical properties. Using bioprinting processes, we quantify th

SUBMITTER: Hu G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12648474 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature