Optimization of Ink Composition and 3D Printing Process to Develop Soy Protein-Based Scaffolds

Inks based on soybean protein isolate (SPI) were developed and their formulations were optimized as a function of the ink heat treatment and the content of other biopolymers to assess the effects of protein–polysaccharides and protein–protein interactions. First, the rheological...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Carranza Fernandino, Teresa, Tejo Otero, Aitor, Bengoechea, Carlos, Guerrero Manso, Pedro Manuel, De la Caba Ciriza, María Coro
Format: article
Publication Date:2024
Country:España
Institution:Universidad del País Vasco
Repository:Addi. Archivo Digital para la Docencia y la Investigación
OAI Identifier:oai:addi.ehu.eus:10810/67496
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10810/67496
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:bio-based ink
3D printing
rheology
Description
Summary:Inks based on soybean protein isolate (SPI) were developed and their formulations were optimized as a function of the ink heat treatment and the content of other biopolymers to assess the effects of protein–polysaccharides and protein–protein interactions. First, the rheological behavior of the inks was analyzed in relation to the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) concentration employed (20, 25, and 30 wt%) and, as a result of the analysis, the ink with 25 wt% PVA was selected. Additionally, sodium alginate (SA) and gelatin (GEL) were added to the formulations to improve the viscoelastic properties of the inks and the effect of the SA or GEL concentrations (1, 2, and 3 wt%) was studied. All inks showed shear thinning behavior and self-supporting abilities. Among all the 3D printed scaffolds, those with higher SA (3 wt%) or GEL (2 and 3 wt%) content showed higher shape fidelity and were selected for further characterization. Texture profile analysis demonstrated that the scaffolds prepared with previously heat-treated inks containing 3 wt% GEL showed the highest strength. Additionally, these scaffolds showed a higher water-uptake capacity profile.