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.
Storage & Handling
- Allevi plastic syringe (5 mL or 10 mL)
- Syringe cap
- Pluronic F127 bioink
- Plastic tips
Methods for Bioprinting Pluronic
- Attach a syringe cap to the tip of your syringe. Remove the plunger.
- Remove Pluronic F127 from storage and pour (while still cool) into syringe.
- Note: Pluronic should be stored at 4˚C until ready for use.
- Place the stopper back into the loaded syringe.
- Allow syringe filled with Pluronic F127 to warm to room temperature.
- Remove syringe cap and attach a plastic printing tip.
- Note: Read the Guide to Picking a Bioprinting Needle Protocol to help decide which needle gauge to use for your chosen application.
- Print construct using the print settings outlined in the table below.
- 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-10 | 0.2 | 0.2* | 0.25″ straight 30G | 80 | Room temperature |
| 7 | 0.2 | 0.2* | 1.25″ conical plastic 27G | 15 | Room 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.
Share this article
Related articles
