Digital light processing (DLP) in tissue engineering: from promise to reality, and perspectives

Tissue engineering technology provides a revolutionary strategy to completely restore the structure and function of damaged tissues or organs. Digital light processing (DLP), as a kind of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, has great advantages in printing resolution and efficiency, with low requirements for bioinks. This review introduces DLP-based printing and its development, as well as the manufacturing processes and printable materials. We also focus on tissue engineering products such as bone, tooth, cartilage, nerve, blood vessel, and so on. This review expounds on the difficulties and shortcomings of DLP printing technology in tissue engineering today. Perspectives are given on the current outlook on DLP-based 3D printing tissue engineering.