Light-based vat-polymerization bioprinting
Riccardo Levato1,2, Oksana Dudaryeva2, Carlos Ezio Garciamendez-Mijares3
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
Nature Reviews. Methods Primers
|September 5, 2025
Summary
Light-based vat-polymerization bioprinting creates 3D cell structures using light and bioresins. This primer covers hardware, software, bioresins, and future directions for bioprinting technologies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- 3D Printing Technologies
Background:
- Light-based vat-polymerization bioprinting allows precise 3D cell-laden structure fabrication.
- Technologies include stereolithography, digital light processing, and volumetric additive manufacturing.
- Extensive development has led to diverse biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of light-based vat-polymerization 3D bioprinting.
- To detail the methodology encompassing hardware, software, and bioresin selection.
- To discuss advancements, quality assessments, and future prospects.
Main Methods:
- Exploration of hardware components and software controls for bioprinting systems.
- Analysis of photoactivatable bioresin formulations and properties.
- Review of stereolithography, digital light processing, and volumetric additive manufacturing techniques.
Main Results:
- Detailed illustration of the bioprinting process from component selection to final product.
- Discussion of methodological variations and recent technological advancements.
- Elaboration on critical quality assessment methods for bioprinting procedures and outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Light-based vat-polymerization offers versatile platforms for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
- Understanding the interplay of hardware, software, and bioresins is crucial for successful bioprinting.
- Future directions point towards enhanced resolution, speed, and biomaterial integration.
