3D bioprinting of low-viscosity phase-separated food-grade bioinks by in situ self-assembly

Abstract

There is a notable gap in the scientific understanding of the cellular role in cultured cell-based foods. Unravelling the effects of the interactions between ingredient micro/nanostructure and cells and their significance on nutrition and texture is of great importance. In addition, bioprinting methods face notable limitations in animal-free formulations and scale. Herein, we introduce a proof-of-concept bioprinting method based on the in situ integration of self-assembling events, allowing printing without supporting baths. Our approach enabled a food-grade 3D bioprinted model with 8.5 mm height and a hardness of 284 mN, supporting the early differentiation of myoblasts producing embryonic myosin heavy chain, after 7 days of differentiation. Cellular protein content increased up to 18-fold per initial cell without changes in construct texture. The method provides a novel concept to produce robust, cell-dense platforms for further research on food-grade bioprinted foods.