| Abstract Scope |
The biological effects of micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) exposure remain poorly understood, largely due to the limitations of current in-vitro models, which are predominantly 2D and lack the structural and compositional fidelity of native tissues. Extrusion printing technologies offer a straightforward route to generate physiologically-relevant 3D models; however, printable and biocompatible ink systems capable of incorporating MNPs have not been previously demonstrated. In this study, we report the development and characterization of a family of printable, biocompatible inks composed of sodium alginate and gelatin, loaded with nano-scale polyethylene particles. We evaluate key properties relevant to bioprinting applications, including rheology, print fidelity, shape retention, shelf life, and mechanical stability of the printed constructs. Through modulation of crosslinking conditions, we demonstrate the realization of tunable material architectures, forming either semi-interpenetrating or fully interpenetrating polymer networks. These plastic-laden constructs represent a novel in-vitro platform for studying the toxicity of MNPs in 3D environments. |