An open-source technology platform to increase reproducibility and enable high-throughput production of tailorable gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) - based hydrogels. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eggert, Sebastian; Kahl, Melanie; Bock, Nathalie; Meinert, Christoph; Friedrich, Oliver; Hutmacher, Dietmar W.
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 204(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Hydrogels -- 3D cell culture -- Bioprinting -- Tissue engineering -- Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) -- Reproducibility -- Open-source; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2021.109619
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based hydrogels have become highly studied as modular tissue culture platforms due to the combination of the bioactivity of gelatin and tailorability of photo-crosslinkable hydrogels. However, current production and characterization workflows still rely on manual, time-consuming, and low-throughput processes, ultimately limiting widespread adaption. To address these challenges, an open-source technology platform is engineered and validated for automated high-throughput production of GelMA-based 3D constructs by integrating automated pipetting capabilities for viscous and non-viscous liquids. Firstly, the platform is applied in combination with inexpensive absorbance measurements to systematically optimize the mixing sequence for GelMA-based precursor solutions. This enables a decrease in the relative standard deviation of the prepared mixtures from 63% to 2.5%, demonstrating a significantly improved reproducibility. Next, the applicability and high-throughput capacity are demonstrated by the reproducible generation of GelMA dilution series with 0.5 and 2% ( w / v ) concentration steps as well as double network hydrogels consisting of 2% ( w / v ) alginate and 5% ( w / v ) GelMA. Finally, a simple and user-friendly methodology is described that integrates Design of Experiments approaches to systematically study the combinatorial effects of material and crosslinking parameters and to establish a parameter library for on-demand production of mechanically defined GelMA-based hydrogels. The platform enables reproducible production and offers an open-source and accessible alternative to high-priced liquid-handling robots and bioprinters. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: Open-source platform overcomes manual and time-consuming processes for gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based hydrogels High-throughput production with automated workflows yields substantial increase in reproducibility compared to manual tasks Materials library enables automatically production of mechanically defined 3D constructs with known parameters Platform offers an open-source and accessible alternative to high-priced liquid-handling robots and bioprinters