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Fibrous bioinks for bioprinting anisotropic micro-and nanoscale scaffolds: A novel strategy for in vitro skeletal muscle engineering

delete2026-01-01
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PRE
AI
G
Gerardina Ruocco
E
Elena Marcello *
C
Camilla Paoletti
M
Massimo Salvi
A
Alice Zoso
M
Mattia Spedicati
I
Irene Carmagnola
V
Valeria Chiono
DOI:10.36922/IJB025440455delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Replicating skeletal muscle architecture remains challenging in 3D bioprinting, as conventional bioinks lack multiscale directional cues. Herein, we propose a nextgeneration fibrous bioink composed of fragmented electrospun gelatin fibers (f-GFs), uniformly embedded in an alginate/gelatin hydrogel matrix (f-ALG/Gel). Upon microextrusion bioprinting, shear-induced f-GF alignment enabled the fabrication of microfilament-based scaffolds with intrinsic anisotropy. The resulting constructs exhibited high shape fidelity, favorable viscoelastic properties, and physiologically relevant stiffness (Young's modulus: 16.1 +/- 1.7 kPa). In vitro studies using C2C12 murine myoblasts demonstrated that the embedded f-GFs provided strong topographical guidance, enhancing cell alignment and myogenesis. After 14 days of culture, the f-ALG/Gel scaffolds supported a 2.5-fold increase in myotube fusion index and length, alongside reduced angular dispersion. These effects were achieved without the need for biochemical induction with a differentiation medium, underscoring the key role of structural cues at the micro- and nanoscale in C2C12 differentiation and maturation. In conclusion, this work proposes a scalable, cell-compatible strategy to recapitulate the hierarchical organization of skeletal muscle tissue within 3D-printed constructs. The platform holds broad potential for applications in regenerative medicine, skeletal muscle tissue modeling, and the engineering of cultured meat.
Keywords:
anisotropy
3D bioprinting
fibrous bioinks
skeletal muscle
topographical cue

Journal

I
International Journal of Bioprinting
IF:
6
Papers:
666
Citations:
2.8K

Organization

P
Polytechnic University of Turin
Scholars:
1.3W
Papers: 1.3W
Citations: 1.3W