Improvement of Mechanical Properties of 3D Bioprinted Structures through Cellular Overgrowth

This study investigated the mechanical properties of 3D bioprinted structures made from sodium alginate and gelatin, containing NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells. Initially, these structures exhibited low mechanical strength. Over an 8-week incubation period, the cells demonstrated growth and spreading abilities, forming a homogeneous cell network within the hydrogel by week 6. The study found that as cellular overgrowth increased and the polymer matrix degraded, the tensile strength of the tubular structures varied, highlighting the dynamic relationship between cellular activity and mechanical properties in 3D bioprinted constructs.