Electrospun Fibers Revolutionize Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting in Regenerative Medicine.

A team of researchers from the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute in Reutlingen, TU Darmstadt, and Black Drop Biodrucker GmbH has introduced an innovative bioink that addresses one of the biggest challenges in 3D bioprinting—nutrient supply within printed tissue structures. Their findings, recently published in the journal Biofabrication, mark a significant step forward in the development of biocompatible materials for regenerative medicine.

3D bioprinting, a technology that constructs tissue-like structures by layering biological materials, holds immense promise for producing organ models and tissue precursors. Yet, a longstanding limitation has been the lack of effective nutrient diffusion within these constructs. The new bioink formulation integrates electrospun microfibers—ultrafine threads with diameters ranging between 5 and 10 micrometers, closely resembling the size of human capillaries.

Dr. Hanna Hartmann, Head of Division at the NMI and a co-inventor on the team’s patent, noted the critical role of these fibers, emphasizing that their size allows them to mimic natural nutrient channels within tissue. "This fiber integration represents a major advancement," she stated.

Interestingly, the enhanced nutrient flow does not require the fibers to be hollow. “We were surprised to find that even solid fibers significantly improved nutrient transport,” said Jannik Stadler, site manager at Black Drop Biodrucker GmbH, which played a central role in the development process.

Beyond nutrient delivery, the bioink shows improved mechanical performance. According to Annabelle Neuhäusler, a doctoral researcher at TU Darmstadt’s Institute for Printing Machines and Printing Processes, the formulation resists swelling and maintains structural integrity—crucial traits for surgical use where durability and precision are paramount.

The researchers envision broad applications for the new material. In pharmaceutical development, it could enable the creation of precise tissue models, reducing the reliance on animal testing and enabling personalized drug screening. Additionally, the robust mechanical properties of the fiber-enhanced bioink make it well-suited for regenerative therapies, where strength and stability are vital for clinical application.

This breakthrough demonstrates how material science and bioengineering can converge to overcome practical barriers in tissue engineering, bringing the vision of functional, patient-specific bioprinted tissues closer to reality.

Source:https://phys.org/news/2025-04-electrospun-microfibers-nutrient-bioinks-3d.html

This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.