Bioprinting Pluronic F127 Protocol

Overview

Pluronic is a sacrificial bioink that can be used for temporary support or to create channels, vessels or vasculature for 3D bioprinting purposes. The recommended preparation provided in the user instruction below yields a streamlined printable biomaterial that supports 3D printed cellular constructs. However, preparation can be modified by users to suit their needs. This protocol will walk you through the step-by-step instructions for bioprinting pluronic.

bioprinting pluronic bioink
Figure 1: An engineered tissue construct of bioprinted cell-laden GelMA and sacrificial Pluronic F127. (1)

Storage & Handling

Methods for Bioprinting Pluronic

  1. Attach a syringe cap to the tip of your syringe. Remove the plunger.
  2. Remove Pluronic F127 from storage and pour (while still cool) into syringe. 
    • Note: Pluronic should be stored at 4˚C until ready for use.
  3. Place the stopper back into the loaded syringe.
  4. Allow syringe filled with Pluronic F127 to warm to room temperature.
  5. Remove syringe cap and attach a plastic printing tip.
  6. Print construct using the print settings outlined in the table below.
  7. To remove Pluronic F127 from printed construct, cool entire construct to 4°C over ice. Use a vacuum if necessary to remove material.

Print Settings

Speed (mm/s) Layer Height (mm) Nozzle Diameter (mm) Gauge Pressure Print Temp(C)
6-100.20.2*0.25″ straight 30G80Room temperature
70.20.2*1.25″ conical plastic 27G15Room temperature

*Note that the nozzle diameter print setting for this material is slightly larger than the diameter of the recommended gauge (150 μm).

Want to try a Practice Print?

Check out the information for Your First Bioprint for further instructions on preparing files for printing and general use instructions for Pluronic F127.

Notes

  • For help adjusting print parameters please contact [email protected].
  • A fill volume change of more than 2 ml may affect pressure settings.
  • A lower gauge size or tapered gauge will require a lower pressure, while a higher gauge will require higher pressure for extrusion. Lowering the gauge size will also generally lower resolution.
  • If you have trouble printing the material, check out our pluronic troubleshooting guide.

We hope this protocol helps you with bioprinting pluronic. Click here to read more bioprinting protocols.

References

[1] D. B. Kolesky et al, “3D Bioprinting of Vascularized, Heterogeneous Cell-laden Tissue Constructs,” Adv. Mater., vol. 26, pp. 3124-3130, 2014.

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