National Taiwan University bioink keeps neural stem cells above 86% survival in fine-nozzle printing

A National Taiwan University team designed a hydrogel bioink that protects delicate neural cells during high-precision 3D bioprinting, phys.org reported. Printing soft tissues is difficult because forces that push materials through tiny nozzles can crush sensitive cells. The researchers blended natural polymers with microscopic structures that flow under pressure then firm up after placement. The study appears in the journal Small. Tests at Taiwan Photon Source and Australia's Bilby beamline showed microstructures that temporarily bend and slide under stress, absorbing impact. In lab experiments, neural stem cells printed through ultra-fine nozzles maintained survival rates of more than 86%, and the bioink supported maturation into functional brain cells. The team printed detailed brain-slice patches strong enough to be picked up, moved, and cultured. Corresponding author Shan-hui Hsu said tuning how soft materials respond to physical stress can protect cells during high-precision printing and aid biomimetic brain tissue models. The paper is DOI: 10.1002/smll.202509654.