Inkjet-based bioprinting for tissue engineering

Abstract

Inkjet bioprinting, a derivative of traditional inkjet technology, is gaining recognition in the fields of life sciences and tissue engineering due to its ability to produce picoliter volume droplets at high speeds in a non-contact fashion. This method has impressively evolved from enabling the production of 2-dimensional (2D) prints to complex 3-dimensional (3D) structures, and is increasingly being used in the manufacturing of electronic components. More recently, this technology has been effectively adapted for a variety of medical applications, such as cell patterning, scaffold construction, and 3D tissue fabrication. In this review, we delve into the principles and biological uses of inkjet technology. We provide an in-depth discussion on the latest developments in inkjet bioprinting, with a focus on cell patterning and 3D fabrication of tissue models, including multilayered lung, bladder, and skin. We also explore the potential of high-throughput 3D-bioprinted tissue models in toxicology and drug efficacy testing.