Design considerations for digital light processing bioprinters

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Materials Science
• Engineering

Background:

• Additive manufacturing, including vat-photopolymerization, has advanced 3D printing.
• Bioprinting utilizes cells and biomaterials to create functional tissues.
• Digital Light Processing (DLP) bioprinting, a subclass of vat-photopolymerization, constructs complex structures layer-by-layer using photocurable bioinks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of Digital Light Processing (DLP) bioprinter design and assembly.
• To highlight key considerations in hardware, software, and materials for DLP bioprinting.
• To offer insights into best practices, maintenance, and future outlooks for DLP bioprinting technology.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of hardware components including resin vat, optical system, and electronics.
• Examination of software workflows, control parameters, and voxelizing/slicing algorithms.
• Discussion of material requirements and best practices for do-it-yourself DLP bioprinters.

Main Results:

• DLP bioprinting offers advantages such as short printing times, low costs, and high resolution.
• Successful bioprinting of tissue-like complex structures is achievable with DLP technology.
• The review consolidates knowledge on optics, electronics, software, and materials essential for DLP bioprinter development.

Conclusions:

• DLP bioprinting is a rapidly advancing field with significant potential in tissue engineering.
• A multidisciplinary approach encompassing optics, electronics, software, and materials is crucial for innovative DLP bioprinter designs.
• This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and developers aiming to design and build advanced DLP bioprinters.