Applications of a Biocompatible Alginate/Pericardial Fluid-Based Hydrogel for the Production of a Bioink in Tissue Engineering

This study developed alginate–pericardial fluid structure (PFS)-based hydrogels as biocompatible bioinks for 3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine. Pericardial fluid was blended with sodium alginate to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) and improve cell–material interactions. Rheological characterization confirmed shear-thinning behavior and suitable viscosity for extrusion bioprinting. Mechanical compression testing revealed that the A–PFS (1:1) blend had the highest strength and modulus among all hydrogel groups, while supporting enhanced proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts. The PFS addition also improved viscoelastic recovery and maintained >90% cell viability. These findings highlight alginate–PFS as a promising material for osteogenic bioinks and injectable hydrogel systems.