LAIKA is a research project in which a semi-interpenetrating (semi-IPN) and/or interpenetrating (IPN) alginate and hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel will be developed that can be used as a bioink in the 3D bioprinting of scaffolds for articular cartilage regeneration.

The aim of this project is to open new doors that allow us to continue generating knowledge and developing new medical devices that improve people's well-being. For this purpose, the aforementioned materials will be fully characterised, with three basic aspects that are essential for bioprinting being analysed:

1) their viscosity to study the behaviour of the materials during the bioprinting process,

2) their mechanical and viscoelastic properties to determine their rigidity and stability and,

3) their biological and degradation properties to determine the biocompatibility of these materials, so that they can be approved as possible candidates for cartilage regeneration.

• LEARTIKER S. COOP
• UPV/EHU – DEPARTMENT OF HISTOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

• Development of alginate and hyaluronic acid-based semi-IPN and IPN hydrogels.

• Rheological and viscoelastic characterisation of the hydrogels developed.

• Mechanical characterisation of the hydrogels developed.

• Bioprinting of the bioinks developed with a 3D bioprinter.

• Printability analysis of the hydrogels developed.

• Degradation analysis of the hydrogels developed.

• Cell viability analysis performed in the facilities of the UPV/EHU.