Freeform 3D Printing of Cell-Adsorptive Cryogels with Shape-Recoverability

Abstract

The intricate porous network of cryogels enhances diffusivity, injectability, and shape-recovery properties, providing a valuable tool for minimally invasive biomedical applications. However, the injection of cell-loaded complex structures remains highly challenging. Here, we demonstrate the freeform 3D printing of fully protein-based macroporous cryogels with cell-adsorptive and shape-recoverable features. The 3D-printed cryogels surpass conventional cryogels, revealing successful injection, cell-adsorptive features, and a high interconnected porosity (99.2%). The rapid hydration process enables the efficient incorporation of individual cells or spheroids into the cryogel network. Using an in-liquid cell aspiration method, the constructs retained cellular content up to 89%, with in vitro culture revealing high viability and cell spreading over 14 days. Our findings highlight the potential of the cryogels’ macroporosity for cell loading and injectability. We anticipate that these off-the-shelf cryogels will pave the way for a new generation of self-adsorptive and injectable cryogels.