Work

Nanostructured multicomponent bioinks with nanodiamond and magnesium-doped nanohydroxyapatite for enhanced bone tissue engineering

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The development of bioinks for bone tissue engineering (BTE) requires a precise balance of printability, stability and bioactivity to ensure cell viability while supporting cell attachment, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Although numerous bioink formulations for BTE demonstrate good printability and bioactivity, they often lack the stability or osteogenic potential required to support long-term bone regeneration. To address these limitations, we developed multicomponent formulations for extrusion-based bioprinting by combining TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TO-CNFs) with gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and sodium alginate (SA). The formulation was further loaded with nanodiamond particles (NDs), magnesium-doped nanohydroxyapatite (MgHA) or a combination of both to impart synergistic effects. This study investigates the individual and combined effects of NDs and MgHA on the printability, structural integrity, biocompatibility, and osteogenic performance of the bioink, hypothesizing that a dual nanoparticle system could provide superior multifunctionality. Rheological and printability tests confirmed that the incorporation of NDs improved the structural integrity and printing fidelity of the printed structures, with all formulations showing comparable mechanical properties. Seeded human gingival fibroblasts showed enhanced viability and spreading, and favorable metabolic activity and proliferation on ND-containing hydrogels. While the viability and elongation of bioprinted osteoblast-like cells in all four bioinks were comparable, MgHA-containing bioinks promoted osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts, shown by increased Runx2 expression, ALP activity, and biomineralization. These findings suggest that the combined incorporation of NDs and MgHA within the TO-CNFs-GelMA-SA matrix provides a promising platform with robust printability and enhanced bioactivity, addressing the current trade-offs in the design of bioinks for comprehensive BTE.

Source: Materials & Design

DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115510