3D bioprinting of modified mannan bioink for tissue engineering

This protocol details the steps for preparation of a recently developed bioink, named YM-MA, which is based on methacrylate anhydride-modified yeast mannan. A light-assisted 3D bioprinting is performed to analyze the printability of YM-MA bioink. We describe how cell experiments, animal models of subcutaneous implantation in a Sprague Dawley rat model, and nude mice are used to evaluate the cytocompatibility, histocompatibility, and chondrogenesis of YM-MA bioink. This protocol provides a versatile strategy to develop bioinks of polysaccharides with chemical modification sites such as hydroxyl group. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Huang et al. (2021).