Essential steps in bioprinting: From pre- to post-bioprinting

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Bioprinting enables directed assembly of cellular and acellular materials into 3D tissue constructs.
• Significant progress has been made, yet challenges remain in optimizing the entire bioprinting workflow.
• The process spans multiple technological domains, requiring integration across stages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and analyze the considerations across all stages of the bioprinting process.
• To provide a holistic perspective on the current state-of-the-art in bioprinting.
• To identify areas for optimization to improve fabricated tissue construct outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of bioprinting techniques and considerations.
• Analysis of pre-bioprinting (e.g., imaging, cell sourcing), bioprinting (e.g., material-bioprinter interaction), and post-bioprinting (e.g., maturation) stages.
• Evaluation of technological requirements for bioprinters and biomaterials.

Main Results:

• Pre-bioprinting requires robust imaging and sufficient cell expansion for mass production.
• Bioprinting necessitates matching biomaterial properties with solidification kinetics for high cell viability and fidelity.
• Post-bioprinting conditions critically govern the maturation of printed cells.
• Development of advanced, reliable, and affordable bioprinters is essential.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding and optimization of each bioprinting stage are vital for achieving desired outcomes in tissue fabrication.
• The bioprinting community must recognize the interdependencies between stages for future advancements.
• Holistic process optimization will accelerate the translation of bioprinting technologies.