An open-source technology platform to increase reproducibility and enable high-throughput production of tailorable gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) - based hydrogels
Eggert S, Kahl M, Bock N, Meinert C, Friedrich O, Hutmacher DW (2021)
Publication Type: Journal article, Original article
Publication year: 2021
Journal
Book Volume: 204
Article Number: 109619
DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2021.109619
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.
Authors with CRIS profile
Melanie Kahl
Lehrstuhl für Medizinische Biotechnologie (MBT)
Oliver Friedrich
Lehrstuhl für Medizinische Biotechnologie (MBT)
Involved external institutions
Australia (AU)How to cite
APA:
Eggert, S., Kahl, M., Bock, N., Meinert, C., Friedrich, O., & Hutmacher, D.W. (2021). An open-source technology platform to increase reproducibility and enable high-throughput production of tailorable gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) - based hydrogels. Materials and Design, 204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2021.109619
MLA:
Eggert, Sebastian, et al. "An open-source technology platform to increase reproducibility and enable high-throughput production of tailorable gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) - based hydrogels." Materials and Design 204 (2021).
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