Development of cellulose-based 3d conduits and patches by using 3D bioprinter for neural tissue regeneration

In this study, cellulose nano-crystal based 3D conduits have been developed in terms of neural tissue regeneration. To fasten the regeneration process, the developed conduits have gained electrical conductivity. In that aim, sulphate modified cellulose nano-crystals (CNC) have been synthesized and added into gelatin-carrageenan bioink mixture. The synthesized CNCs have been characterized by using FT-IR, SEM, XRD, TGA and conductivity tests. The final bio ink has been also characterized by using mechanical and bioprintability tests. The prepared bio ink has been 3D bioprinted in a novel conduit shape and was cross-linked by glutaraldehyde. The conduit has been characterized by using SEM, optical microscopy, biodegradability, swelling and biocompatibility tests. At the end, the 3D conduit that helps the neural tissue regeneration has been developed in that thesis study. Thanks to its novel structure and its high conductivity property, a novel approach for neural tissue engineering has been suggested to tissue and organ engineering applications.