👉💪Bioprinting is an additive manufacturing process, similar to 3D printing, in which an object is printed layer by layer using a digital file as a template. Bioprinters, unlike 3D printers, print using cells and biomaterials, generating organ-like structures that allow living cells to reproduce. Despite being a relatively new technique, bioprinting has enormous potential to aid industries such as regenerative and personalised medicine, drug development, and cosmetics. Discover how bioprinting works.

👇Pre-bioprinting is the first step. This entails developing a digital file that the printer can read. These data are now frequently based on CT and MRI images. Researchers prepare cells and mix them with bioink, then use a live-cell imaging device to confirm there are enough cells to properly bioprint a tissue model.

🔍Bioprinting is the second process. Depending on the structure they're attempting to produce, researchers load the cell-laden bioink into a cartridge and select one or more printheads. To create diverse types of tissue, researchers must use a variety of cells, bioinks, and equipment.

💉After-bioprinting. To become totally stable, most structures are crosslinked. Crosslinking is often accomplished by treating the construct with either an ionic solution or UV radiation; the composition of the construct aids researchers in determining which type of crosslinking to employ. The cell-filled structures are then placed in an incubator to grow.

  

💊Drug development: Many modern research rely on living participants, which is cumbersome and costly for both academic and commercial organisations. During the early phases, bioprinted tissues can be employed instead, providing a more ethical and cost-effective approach. Researchers can save money and time by using bioprinted tissue to determine the efficacy of a medication candidate sooner.

💗Artificial organs: Because the organ donation waiting list is so long, patients must wait years before receiving the assistance they require. The ability to bioprint organs could aid clinicians in keeping up with patients or even eliminate the list entirely. While this solution is still in the works, it is one of the most significant options in the sector.

🙌Wound healing: Tissue-specific bioinks are now widely available, allowing researchers to interact with artificial skin cells, neurons, hepatocytes, and other cells. One day, clinicians may be able to employ these models for therapeutic treatments such as skin grafts, combat wound bone dressings, and even plastic surgery.