The advent and widespread use of two-dimensional in vitro cell culture techniques has undoubtedly aided remarkable advances in our understanding of cellular and molecular biology. However, 2-D cell culture has limitations that fundamentally impact our understanding of cell-cell interactions, cellular communication, proliferation and differentiation that hinder our understanding of the progression of diseases and in drug screening applications. For example, as compared to physiological conditions, cells in 2-D culture models differ in shape, their exposure to solvent media, rate of differentiation and proliferation, and response to external stimuli. These limitations in 2-D <i>in vitro</i> cell culture has sparked interest in developing three-dimensional cell culture techniques and assays that are able to better mimic physiological conditions. Within this emerging research field of materials research is a need for mechanically robust artificial matrices that can be chemically modified with relative ease and that facilitate assay development by supporting cell growth in three dimensions. Therefore, this research focuses on the preparation of 3D-printable hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid (HA). Methacrylated HA with varying degrees of substitution were prepared using carbodiimide activated coupling. Specifically, methacrylated HAs were prepared at 10, 15, 20, and 25 % degrees of substitution by substituting 2-aminoethyl methacrylate at the carboxylic acid group of the glucuronic acid unit of the HA disaccharide repeating unit. Subsequently, methacrylated HAs were 3D-printed using a BioAssembly Bot 3D-printer to prepare 3D-printed cubes for 3D-cell culture. The 3D-printed HA gels were characterized by FTIR and subsequently evaluated for the cell viability and cytotoxicity using standard cell culture assays.

3D-printable hyaluronic acid hydrogels for cell culture in three dimensions

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.