Work

3D Printing in Suspension Baths: Keeping the Promises of Bioprinting Afloat

Year: 2020

Type: review

Abstract: Extrusion-based 3D printers have been adopted in pursuit of engineering functional tissues through 3D bioprinting. However, we are still a long way from the promise of fabricating constructs approaching the complexity and function of native tissues. A major challenge is presented by the competing requirements of biomimicry and manufacturability. This opinion article discusses 3D printing in suspension baths as a novel strategy capable of disrupting the current bioprinting landscape. Suspension baths provide a semisolid medium to print into, voiding many of the inherent flaws of printing onto a flat surface in air. We review the state-of-the-art of this approach and extrapolate toward future possibilities that this technology might bring, including the fabrication of vascularized tissue constructs.

Source: Trends in biotechnology

DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2019.12.020

Authors: Andrew McCormack, Christopher B. Highley, Nicholas R. Leslie, Ferry P.W. Melchels

Institutions: Heriot-Watt University, University of Virginia

Language: English

Topic: 3D Printing in Biomedical Research

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,000

Funders: Brain Tumour Charity, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council