Visible-Light-Induced\nSilk Fibroin Hydrogels with\nCarbon Quantum Dots as Initiators for 3D Bioprinting Applications

Digital light processing (DLP) 3D bioprinting technology\nhas attracted\nincreasing attention in tissue engineering in recent years. However,\nit still faces significant technical and operational challenges such\nas cell carcinogenesis caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet\nlight and the presence of heavy metal ions in complex photoinitiator\nsystems. In this study, a novel strategy is designed to introduce\ncarbon quantum dots into visible-light-induced silk fibroin bioink\nas initiators (CDs/SilMA) applied for DLP 3D bioprinting technology.\nThe incorporation of carbon quantum dots facilitates the formation\nof precise hydrogel structures at 415 nm visible wavelength, enabling\nthe creation of brain, bronchus, spine, and ear models. Replacing\nheavy metal photoinitiators with carbon quantum dots imparts fluorescence\nproperties to the bioink and enhances its mechanical properties. Meanwhile,\nthe fibroin protein-based hydrogel exhibits favorable properties,\nsuch as drug loading, slow release, degradability, and biocompatibility.\nThis is the first study to propose the application of carbon quantum\ndots in silk fibroin-based bioink. Moreover, the resulting product\ndemonstrates excellent compatibility with the DLP printing process,\nmaking it promising for practical applications in various tissue engineering\nscenarios with specific requirements.