Bioprinting of uterine dECM-based hydrogels with mscs for therapeutic applications

Abstract Bioprinting presents a promising strategy for fabricating implantable, biologically active scaffolds tailored for regenerative therapies. In this study, we developed a hydrogel composed of gelatin, sodium alginate, and decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) derived from ovine uterus, optimized for the encapsulation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and suitable for extrusion-based bioprinting. Hydrogels were formulated with 15% gelatin, 6% sodium alginate, and 5% uterine dECM. Adipose-derived MSCs from porcine tissue were embedded and bioprinted into mesh-like constructs (30×30×1 mm) at 37 °C and 20 kPa. Cell viability was assessed at 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 days post-printing using Live/Dead staining and confocal microscopy. VEGF-A and IL-8 secretion were quantified by ELISA. The hydrogel exhibited satisfactory printability and retained its structural integrity after crosslinking, resulting in constructs that were robust and easy to handle for potential surgical applications. Confocal imaging revealed a heterogeneous cell distribution, and viability remained around 60% on day 7. Furthermore, secretion of VEGF-A and IL-8 increased over time, confirming sustained MSC activity. In conclusion, this gelatin–alginate–uterine dECM hydrogel supports MSC viability and paracrine functionality, demonstrating promise as a bioactive platform for regenerative medicine.