Fig. 1

Workflow for alginate-based inks: Tetrapodal zinc oxide, produced via the flame transport synthesis, can be decorated with cytokines for advanced biomedical functionality. Depending on the specific wound requirements functions like immune triggering, inflammation blocking or angiogenesis supporters. These cytokine-laden t-ZnO particles can then be embedded into sodium alginate solution and bioprinted. Due to the geometry of the tetrapods, they tend to protrude from the surface of the hydrogel, forming a direct contact with the surrounding. Via bioprinting, open porous constructs can be built, based on the requirements of the specific wound to be treated. The protruding tetrapodal arms can then release the decorated cytokines and additionally act as antibacterial agents. The alginate-based ink covers the wound and protects the surface from contamination while still facilitating oxygen permeation