Pioneering 3D Printing with Blood Components: InterLynk Scientists Lead the Way
How blood components are transforming 3D printing for tissue regeneration, paving the way for exciting future healthcare applications.
Blood, one of the most essential components of the human body, is now being explored in new ways to promote healing. Scientists in the EU-funded InterLynk project are using blood-derived materials to develop 3D printable inks, which could revolutionize tissue regeneration. These specially engineered inks could one day help regenerate damaged tissues, advancing the potential for personalized treatments.
A recent publication titled "Leveraging Blood Components for 3D Printing Applications Through Programmable Ink Engineering Approaches" led by InterLynk scientist Rita Sobreiro-Almeida, from CICECO at the University of Aveiro (UAVR) in Portugal, along with other scientists from UAVR, Metatissue, and an international team from the MERLN Institute at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, highlights a major leap forward in this effort. Published in the journal Advanced Science on October 25, 2024, the study reveals how the researchers have unlocked the potential of blood proteins and growth factors for 3D printing applications by enhancing their viscosity and stability. This unique approach makes previously unprintable, low-viscous blood components usable for the build-up of personalised constructs with numerous applications in regenerative medicine.
The publication details how scientists are taking advantage of two blood-derived materials: platelet lysates (PL) and albumin, key proteins obtained from freeze/thaw cycles of platelets or from plasma, respectively. Both materials have exciting properties for tissue healing and cell growth. Platelet lysates, in particular, are rich in growth factors—tiny carriers of regenerative power—that support the growth of new cells. However, both materials are naturally very thin, almost like water, which makes them unsuitable for 3D printing applications. The challenge faced by researchers was how to make them "thicker" and easier to use for constructing intricate tissue structures, without adding additives or 3D printing supports.
Using a clever combination of chemistry and engineering, the research team found a way to tweak the properties of these blood proteins to create a usable ink. They used a process called covalent coupling to chemically modify the proteins, making them more viscous and giving them the ability to be extruded and maintain the printed form. To ensure the printed structures would not collapse, the researchers also introduced a photocrosslinking method - a light-triggered process that "locks" the proteins into a stable structure once printed.
These new inks can be used to 3D print structures that mimic the properties of native tissues. Once these scaffolds are implanted in the body, they not only serve as a physical support but also gradually release growth factors, helping the surrounding tissues to heal and regenerate. Imagine a tiny lattice made from your own blood that both holds your damaged bone in place and actively helps it grow back. This is what makes the approach so exciting - it’s personalized and biocompatible!
This development is more than just a scientific breakthrough - it represents a significant step toward personalized, regenerative medicine that aligns with each person's unique biology. By using our own blood as the foundation for healing, these advances could revolutionize how we treat injuries and damage. However, there is still work to be done. The promising results must be carefully refined and tested before they can be used in clinical settings.
The journey from the lab to the clinic may be long, but every step brings us closer to making personalized regenerative treatments a reality. The InterLynk project is at the forefront of this effort, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in tissue regeneration and showing that the future of healing can be truly personal.
Source: Sobreiro-Almeida, S. C. Santos, M. C. Decarli, M. Costa, T. R. Correia, J. Babilotte, C. A. Custódio, L. Moroni, J. F. Mano, Leveraging Blood Components for 3D Printing Applications Through Programmable Ink Engineering Approaches. Adv. Sci.2024, 2406569. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202406569
