Product Description

For printing with Lifeink® 220, we highly recommend using the FRESH printing technique and printing at 2-8°C. Three dimensional (3D) gels allow for the study of the effects of the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM), such as density and rigidity, on cell development, migration, and morphology. Unlike 2D systems, 3D environments allow cell extensions to simultaneously interact with integrins on all cell surfaces, resulting in the activation of specific signaling pathways.  Gel stiffness or rigidity also affects cell migration differently in 3D versus 2D environments.

A bioink that resembles life should include the following traits: High Print Resolution, shear-thinning, strong mechanical strength, superior cytocompatibility, allow for cellular remodeling, and is biomimetic. Lifeink® 220 fulfills those requirements.

Advanced BioMatrix offers Lifeink® 220, a bioink that is a 70 mg/ml type I collagen. Lifeink® 220 is pH neutral collagen with physiological salt concentration. The collagen starting material is purified using a controlled manufacturing process.

Lifeink® 220 bioink has the following characteristics as shown below:

Parameter, Testing, and Method Lifeink® 220 #5343
Sterilization Method Filtration, Aseptic Processing
Sterility - USP modified No growth
Form Opaque Gel/Paste 
Package Size 4 mL
Storage Temperature 2-8°C
Print Temperature 2-8°C
Shelf Life Minimum of 6 months from date of receipt
Endotoxin - LAL < 10.0 EU/mL
pH 6.9-7.6

Osmolality (mOsmo H2O/kg)

290-370

Source Material

Bovine Collagen

Electrophoretic Pattern - Coomassie Blue

Characteristic

Collagen Concentration - Biuret

65-75 mg/mL

Collagen Purity - Silver Staining

>99%

Continuous Flow Extrusion

Pass

 

Directions for Use

The DFU below is for Lifeink 200, though the exact same techniques and directions apply for the higher concentration version, Lifeink 220.

Download the full PDF version or continue reading below:

Note: Employ aseptic practices to maintain the sterility of the product throughout the preparation and handling of the collagen and other solutions.

Note: It is recommended that the collagen and other working solutions be chilled during the preparation of the collagen.

Note:  Vortexing of collagen is not recommended at any step.

Note: Ensure that NO bubbles enter the system. Bubbles in the system while mixing will turn your ink into a foam-like material.

Note: We recommend printing Lifeink® at 2-8°C into a gelatin slurry support (FRESH method) for best results.

Cell Addition to Bioink: 
Note: Keep collagen chilled throughout these processes

  1. Add the concentrated cell suspension in cell culture media to a sterile syringe.

Video for step 1

Note: We recommend a final bioink cell concentration of 5X106/mL or greater.

Note: For best results, add 2 mL of cell suspension per 5 mL of collagen Bioink. Use a similar ratio for smaller volumes.

  1. Place sterile coupler on the end of the syringe with the cell suspension.
  2. Slowly push plunger in until media forms a slight external meniscus above the end of the coupler on the syringe.
  3. Remove cap from the syringe with collagen and slowly push plunger in until collagen forms a slight external meniscus above the end of the syringe.
  4. Couple the syringe with cells to the syringe with collagen. (Ensure that there are no air bubbles in the system. The “external meniscus” on both syringes helps ensure that there are no air bubbles introduced).
  5. Slowly push plungers back and forth ~40 times to ensure thorough mixing. End with all of the material in the syringe to be used for printing.

Video for steps 2-6

  1. The cell-laden bioink is now ready for positive displacement printers. Allow 5-10 minutes for the syringe to equilibrate back to 2-8°C before printing for best results.

Note: For pneumatic printers, transfer the collagen into an appropriate syringe using the coupler. The new syringe should have the seal inserted, but the plunger removed. Centrifuge the syringe at 2000 RPM for 1 minute after transferring the collagen to remove any air bubbles. Do not do the centrifuge step if there are cells already mixed in.

Watch this video for help

General Printing Notes:

  1. To use a smaller volume of collagen, simply transfer the desired amount of collagen to another syringe, using the provided sterile coupler. To remove the air from the new syringe, you can do either of the following:
  2. Centrifuge the syringe (capped) with the cap pointing up to cause the air to accumulate at the cap. Evacuate the air.
  3. Centrifuge the syringe (capped) with the cap pointing down, and then use a hemostat to squeeze the syringe while pushing the plunger to allow the air to escape.

Removing air with a hemostat video

  1. Complete your print within 1 hour of cell addition to syringe/bioink for best cell viability results.
  2. When printing with FRESH gelatin slurry, allow the final printed structure to incubate at 37°C for 30 to 60 minutes and then replace the gelatin with media.
  3. Avoid bubbles.

Product Cell Assay

Fibroblasts Day 2

Adipose Derived Stem Cells Day 1

Adipose Derived Stem Cells Day 6

Fibroblasts day 1

Fibroblasts day 5

Product Bioprints

Full Scale Human Neonatal Heart

Heart Valve - Closed

Heart Valve - Open

Meniscus

Simple Scaffold

Just a hand...

(Can you see the single layer thin fingernails?)

Product Certificate of Analysis

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Product Disclaimer

This product is for R&D use only and is not intended for human or other uses. Please consult the Material Safety Data Sheet for information regarding hazards and safe handling practices.