Revolutionary Bio-Ink Developed by NIT Rourkela for 3D Bioprinting

The National Institute of Technology Rourkela has made a significant advancement in regenerative medicine by developing a patented bio-ink for 3D bioprinting. This innovative material combines mechanical strength, biological compatibility, and printability, addressing key limitations in existing bio-inks. The research team, led by Devendra Verma, has published their findings in a reputable journal and is now planning to conduct animal studies to validate the safety and efficacy of their creation. This breakthrough could pave the way for patient-specific scaffolds in medical applications.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 22, 2026, 10:20 IST

Innovative Breakthrough in Regenerative Medicine

Rourkela: The National Institute of Technology Rourkela has successfully created and patented a cutting-edge bio-ink designed for 3D bioprinting of tissue-like structures, representing a major advancement in the field of regenerative medicine.

This research, spearheaded by Devendra Verma alongside research scholars Shreya Chrungoo and Tanmay Bharadwaj, tackles a significant challenge in current bio-inks: the absence of a single material that integrates mechanical strength, biological compatibility, and printability.

Their research findings, published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, detail a high shape-fidelity protein-polysaccharide bio-ink that is particularly suitable for repairing bone and cartilage. The team has also obtained a patent (No. 583759) for this innovative technology.

The bio-ink was formulated by combining bovine serum albumin, sodium alginate, and polyelectrolyte complexes of gelatin and chitosan. This unique blend creates a bioactive environment that fosters cell growth while ensuring structural integrity during and after the printing process.

Laboratory experiments demonstrated that this material closely resembles the extracellular matrix of bone tissue, enhancing cell adhesion and proliferation. Scaffolds containing 2% PEC-GC exhibited over 90% cell viability and showed promise for bone tissue development and collagen production.

Verma emphasized that this innovation effectively bridges the gap between printing accuracy and biological functionality, bringing the prospect of clinically viable bioprinted constructs closer to fruition. Chrungoo noted that this bio-ink could facilitate the creation of patient-specific scaffolds with exact geometrical and functional properties.

The research team intends to proceed with animal studies followed by clinical trials to confirm the safety and effectiveness of their bio-ink.