3D printed hydrogel glucose sensor on argon plasma activated polystyrene

Abstract

This study presents a proof of principle concept for a two-dimensional bioprinted glucose sensor on Petri dishes that allows for glucose measurements in cell culture medium. To improve bioink adhesion, the polystyrene surfaces of standard Petri dishes are activated with argon plasma, which increases roughness and hydrophilicity. The bioink containing the sensor chemistry—namely fluorescently labeled ConA/Dextran embedded in alginate microbeads—was printed on the activated Petri dishes with an extrusion-based bioprinter. The printed sensor showed good stability and adhesive properties on polystyrene. The glucose concentration was examined using a standard fluorescence microscope with filters adapted to the emission wavelength of the donor and reference dyes. The printed glucose sensor showed high sensitivity and good linearity in a physiologically relevant range of glucose concentrations.