AKC bioink combines alginate from Lessonia nigrescens, Konjac Glucomannan, and calcium sulfate to form a biocompatible hydrogel for high-precision 3D bioprinting. Its slow-release CaSO₄ enables volumetric crosslinking, avoiding the surface-only gelation of traditional CaCl₂ systems. KGM improves viscosity, print fidelity, and layer stability, while tunable KGM and CaSO₄ levels allow control over stiffness and pore size. This approach produces uniform, reproducible constructs that maintain integrity and support healthy cell growth.
The Invention
The invention comprises a bioink blend that integrates alginate, KGM, and a controlled release source of calcium ions from calcium sulfate to produce a gel with tunable mechanical properties and enhanced print fidelity. The slow-release crosslinking mechanism allows for gradual gel formation, providing consistent structural support during and after bioprinting. Additionally, the inclusion of KGM enhances the bioink's print accuracy and layer-by-layer stability, creating a robust platform suitable for fabricating complex living tissue constructs.
Market Opportunity
The AKC bioink presents significant commercial potential in the expanding fields of regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and personalized healthcare. Its capability for high-precision, injectable 3D bioprinting aligns with the growing demand for customizable, patient-specific therapies. Furthermore, AKC’s uniform gelation and enhanced biocompatibility position it as a valuable material for pharmaceutical research and drug testing platforms, where reliable, reproducible soft tissue models are essential. The versatility of its tunable mechanical properties also opens opportunities for applications across a range of tissue types, supporting market diversification.
Applications
●3D bioprinting of soft tissues for regenerative medicine and personalized therapeutic interventions.
●Creation of tissue models for drug discovery, toxicity testing, and biomedical research.
●Injectable scaffolds for minimally invasive in-situ tissue engineering procedures.
Key Benefits
§Uniform, controlled gelation facilitates consistent structural formation throughout the bioprinted tissue.
§Injectability and in-situ gelation capabilities expand application possibilities beyond standard printing methods.
§Enhanced biocompatibility and mechanical tunability support improved cell viability and application-specific customization.
Lead Researcher: Lina Nih
neuroscientist, vascular biologist, and biomedical engineer specializing in brain repair and regeneration following stroke and neurological injury. Her expertise spans neurovascular biology, regenerative medicine, biomaterials, drug delivery systems, stem cell therapies, and the development of innovative technologies for treating stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, and vascular dementia.
Development and Intellectual Property Status
US Application 63/896,526, filed 10/9/2025
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS
Available Technologies
