Recent Advances in Modeling Tissues Using 3D Bioprinted Nanocellulose Bioinks

Bioprinting creates 3D tissue models by depositing cells encapsulated in biocompatible materials. These 3D printed models can better emulate physiological conditions in comparison with traditional 2D cell cultures or animal models. Such models can be produced from human cells, possessing human genetics and replicating the 3D microenvironment found in vivo. Many different types of biocompatible materials serve as bioinks, including gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), alginate, fibrin, and gelatin. Nanocellulose has emerged as a promising addition to these materials. Nanocellulose─composed of cellulose chain bundles with lateral dimensions ranging from a few to several tens of nanometers─possesses key properties for 3D bioprinting applications. It can form biocompatible hydrogels, which have excellent physical properties, and its structure resembles collagen, making it useful for modeling tissues with high collagen content such as bone, cartilage, sink, and muscle. Here we review some of the recent advances in the use of nanocellulose in bioinks for the creation of bone, cartilage, skin, and muscle tissue specific models and identify areas for future progress.