Printing of HS-5 cells using DIY bioprinter

Abstract

Due to the high cost of commercially available bioprinter, there is a need to

develop a cheaper and functional bioprinter. In this study, a DIY bioprinter based on

inkjet print head was successfully assembled at a cost of ~$200, and was tested for its

ability to print cells. The suitable parameters of the base ink material. i.e., concentration

for calcium chloride, concentration and viscosity of alginate for cell printing using the

bioprinter were defined. In our study, the cells were suspended in calcium chloride to

produce an ink material for subsequent printing on alginate. Alginate is a biocompatible

material that can allow cells to be printed on it successfully. Upon contact of the ink and

alginate, cell encapsulation in the alginate is made possible through cross-linking of the

alginate with calcium chloride. The experimental results showed that 150mM calcium

chloride printed onto 1.1% low viscosity and high viscosity alginates produces the best

hydrogel conformation. In addition, experimental results showed that printing 12 x

10^6cells/mL produced the best dispensed cell density and cell encapsulation in the

alginate hydrogel. Post printing cell viability was also conducted and the results showed

that cells are able to survive the printing process. The gentle printing process and precise

displacement of cells of the DIY bioprinter shows huge potential to develop novel

methods for cell therapy at a lower cost.