It was already known that, after cross-linking with calcium ions, the slow degradation rate of alginate is due to the low level of released calcium ions. Sodium citrate, whose citrate ion can chelate to calcium ions and form calcium citrate complexes, was proven to be an effective method to dissolve alginate hydrogels that had cross-linked with calcium chloride. Encapsulating alginate beads can be completely dissolved by treating them with 55 mM sodium citrate for 20 min, and the procedure of alginate sacrificing was not harmful to the cells embedded in the alginate gel. Thus, sodium citrate may be a useful way to increase or even control the degradation of the bioprinted alginate constructs. Such changed matrix properties (degradation) may provide a more suitable environment in which cells can be printed and retain their capacity to proliferate and express specific marker proteins.