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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Automated Robotic Dispensing Technique for Surface Guidance and Bioprinting of Cells
Published on: November 18, 2016
Programmable continuous gradient bioprinting for engineering spatially heterogeneous microenvironments
Taekyung Choi1, Hyungseok Lee1,2
1Department of Smart Health Science and Technology, Kangwon National University (KNU), 1, Kangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea.
Materials Today. Bio
|August 1, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel bioprinting method using dynamic bioink mixing to create continuous gradients in mechanical, cellular, and biochemical properties. This technique enables precise control over tissue engineering scaffolds, mimicking native tissue complexity.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Native tissues display complex spatial variations in mechanical, cellular, and biochemical characteristics.
- Current extrusion-based bioprinting struggles to replicate these gradients, often using discrete material transitions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a bioprinting system capable of generating continuous gradients in material properties.
- To enable programmable spatial control over cellular organization and biochemical signaling within engineered tissues.
Main Methods:
- A dual ball-valve mixing module was engineered for real-time control of precursor ink ratios within a single nozzle.
- The system was validated by creating gradients in mechanical stiffness, cell density, and biochemical cues (e.g., TGF-β1).
- Cell viability and cellular responses to gradients were assessed.
Main Results:
- Continuous gradients in stiffness, cell density, and biochemical factors were successfully generated.
- Gradual material property transitions were achieved, reducing interfacial stress compared to discrete methods.
- Programmed biochemical gradients induced location-dependent cellular behavior, such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic bioink mixing is an effective strategy for creating continuous, spatially programmable gradients in bioprinting.
- This approach facilitates the integration of material composition, cellular organization, and biochemical signaling in engineered tissues.
- The developed platform enhances the biomimicry of native tissue complexity using extrusion-based bioprinting.
