Multimaterial bioprinting and combination of processing techniques towards the fabrication of biomimetic tissues and organs

Abstract

Tissue reconstruction requires the utilization of multiple biomaterials and cell types to replicate the delicate and complex structure of native tissues. Various three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting techniques have been developed to fabricate customized tissue structures; however, there are still significant challenges, such as vascularization, mechanical stability of printed constructs, and fabrication of gradient structures to be addressed for the creation of biomimetic and complex tissue constructs. One approach to address these challenges is to develop multimaterial 3D bioprinting techniques that can integrate various types of biomaterials and bioprinting capabilities towards the fabrication of more complex structures. Notable examples include multi-nozzle, coaxial, and microfluidics-assisted multimaterial 3D bioprinting techniques. More advanced multimaterial 3D printing techniques are emerging, and new areas in this niche technology are rapidly evolving. In this review, we briefly introduce the basics of individual 3D bioprinting techniques and then discuss the multimaterial 3D printing techniques that can be developed based on combination of these techniques for the engineering of complex and biomimetic tissue constructs. We also discuss the perspectives and future directions to develop state-of-the-art multimaterial 3D bioprinting techniques for engineering tissues and organs.

Natural Hydrogel-Based Bio-Inks for 3D Bioprinting in Tissue Engineering: A Review

“…As 3D bioprinting moves into the future, it is highly desirable to use several different materials in a single printing process. Certainly, with the upcoming printers, one will be able to produce an object containing multiple materials, including hydrogels, elastomers, metal, and even ceramics [ 420 ]. Multi-material bioprinting will be invaluable in comparison to conventional bioprinters for the fabrication of constructs that are inherently complex, heterocellular, and hierarchically arranged within an extra-cellular matrix, just like native tissues [ 421 ].…”

3D Tissue-Engineered Vascular Drug Screening Platforms: Promise and Considerations

“…Figure was created by BioRender.com. also been introduced to improve the formation of complex multi-component structures (43). These systems include multiple print heads or nozzles that allow the bioprinting of different materials and cells.…”

“…These systems include multi-nozzle, coaxial, and microfluidics-assisted bioprinters. We refer the read to a comprehensive review on this topic (43). Bioinks are key components of 3D bioprinting, and their selection depends on the target tissue, the cell type and the bioprinting technique (40,44).…”

Applications of 3D Bioprinting Technology in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells-Based Tissue Engineering

“…It has been reported that structural mimicry matches the functional characteristics of native tissues/organs, and fabricating in vivo-like structures is a crucial factor in successful tissue engineering [18]. A powerful technological platform that has emerged is 3D bioprinting due to its ability to precisely deposit various cells and biomaterials at a predefined location [19,20]. As a source of printable biomaterials, bioinks are used to produce engineered/artificial live tissue using 3D printing.…”