3D BIOPRINTING

An advanced version of Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels (FRESH) technology was developed to 3D print collagen for small blood vessels, valves, and beating ventricles.

The technique, known as Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels (FRESH), has allowed the researchers to overcome many challenges associated with existing 3D bioprinting methods, and to achieve unprecedented resolution and fidelity using soft and living materials.

FRESH has applications in many aspects of regenerative medicine, from wound repair to organ bioengineering. 3D bio-printed heart models from human MRI data were created using CMU’s FRESH method as proof-of-concept showing the potential to build advanced scaffolds for a wide range of tissues and organ systems.

3D BIO PRINTING

Bioprinting is an additive manufacturing process where biomaterials such as cells and growth factors are combined to create tissue-like structures that imitate natural tissues.

The technology uses a material known as bioink to create these structures in a layer-by-layer manner. The technique is widely applicable to the fields of medicine and bioengineering. Recently, the technology has even made advancements in the production of cartilage tissue for use in reconstruction and regeneration.

In essence, bioprinting works in a similar way to conventional 3D printing. A digital model becomes a physical 3D object layer-by-layer. In this instance, however, a living cell suspension is utilized instead of a thermoplastic or a resin.

For this reason, in order to optimize cell viability and achieve a printing resolution adequate for a correct cell-matrix structure, it’s necessary to maintain sterile printing conditions. This ensures accuracy in complex tissues, requisite cell-to-cell distances, and correct output.

The process principally involves preparation, printing, maturation, and application. This can be summarized in the three key steps:

Pre-bioprinting involves creating the digital model that the printer will produce. The technologies used are computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Bioprinting is the actual printing process, where bio-ink is placed in a printer cartridge and deposition takes place based on the digital model.

Post-bioprinting is the mechanical and chemical stimulation of printed parts so as to create stable structures for the biological material.

APPLICATIONS OF BIOPRINTING

§  Artificial organs are one of the greatest drivers of the technology due to the high rise of vital organ failure. Availability of 3D printed organs helps to solve organ-related issues faster and quicker, which is important to patients, their families, and healthcare systems.

§  Development of tissues for pharmaceutical testing, when 3D printed, is a more cost-effective and ethical option. It also helps in identifying side effects of drugs and allows recommended drugs to be administered to humans with validated safe dosages.

§  Cosmetic surgery, particularly plastic surgery and skin grafting, also benefits from the technology. In this particular application, bio-printed skin tissue could be commercialized. Some 3D printed tissues are already being bio-printed for research on therapeutic purposes.

§  Bone tissue regeneration as well as prosthetics and dental applications.