Bridging the Gap: Unlocking the Potential of Biofabrication for Applications in In Vitro Testing

Abstract

Biofabrication holds immense potential for advancing tissue models used in in vitro testing. Despite significant technological advancements, there are currently no commercially viable biofabricated in vitro models, e.g., for drug testing. In contrast, established systems like organ-on-a-chip (OoC) and transwell-based tissue models are widely used, providing reliable solutions for drug testing but with limitations in tissue size, complexity, and customizability. Despite its potential to create complex tissue architectures, biofabrication has yet to become commercially viable. This perspective explores the key technological challenges limiting biofabrication’s full potential in commercial in vitro testing and outlines how advancements in matrix compatibility, interface stability, and end-user usability can help overcome these barriers to unlock its transformative impact.