Fibrin and Fibrinogen in Photocurable Biofabrication: Enzymatic–Photo Dual Networks, Contraction and Remodelling

Fibrin is biologically familiar and strongly cell-remodelable, but its rapid enzymatic assembly and low pre-gel shape fidelity complicate additive manufacturing. Photocurable fibrin or fibrinogen-derived systems address this limitation through dual-network strategies: thrombin-driven fibrin formation provides a native fibrous matrix, while light-reactive groups or a second photocurable polymer provide additional geometric stabilisation. These mechanisms should not be conflated. This review distinguishes fibrinogen state, enzymatic conversion, covalent photochemistry, matrix contraction and proteolytic remodelling as separate state variables. It examines methacrylated fibrinogen and fibrin-containing hybrid bioinks, and it proposes measurements that can determine whether a printed construct is stabilised by fibrin architecture, the photocured network, or both. Particular emphasis is placed on contraction, because cell-mediated compaction can be biologically meaningful while simultaneously destroying geometric fidelity. The qualification objective is therefore not maximal stiffness but controlled evolution of structure under cell-driven remodelling.

ER-324 · Version 0.5.