3D bioprinting is a method of deposition of biomaterials and cells (bioinks) according to a computer design and has a wide range of applications, including tissue engineering and drug delivery. Among different deposition mechanisms, droplet-based bioprinting method provides a high level of versatility and control over the deposition of bioinks. However, printing ionically crosslinking hydrogels is challenging using the droplet-based printheads as the crosslinked hydrogel is too viscous. Previous studies have shown that printing in a crosslinker bath or using co-flow of crosslinker can address this issue. Our group has recently shown that introducing the crosslinker in mist form, and more importantly, removing the mist within the printhead is an excellent approach to crosslink the hydrogel droplets while printing. The dynamics of a droplet spreading after exposure to mist is an important factor in achieving high shape fidelity of printed constructs and must further be investigated.
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