Scientists from the University of Würzburg have synthesized a new thermogel which is suitable for use as a biological ink for the 3D printing of tissue-like structures for regenerative medicine. Investigations using neutron scattering on one of Forschungszentrum Jülich’s devices suggest that the material – a mixture of a polymer and living cells that is liquid at room temperature – forms an unusual sponge-like network in its gel state.
Original publication:
Thomas Lorson, Sebastian Jaksch, Michael M. Lübtow, Tomasz Jüngst, Jürgen Groll, Tessa Lühmann, Robert Luxenhofer; A Thermogelling Supramolecular Hydrogel with Sponge-Like Morphology as a Cytocompatible Bioink; Biomacromolecules 18 (7), 2161 (2017)