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A Review of 3D Printing Techniques and the Future in Biofabrication of Bioprinted Tissue

Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics volume 74, pages 93–98 (2016)Cite this article

Abstract

3D printing has been around in the art, micro-engineering, and manufacturing worlds for decades. Similarly, research for traditionally engineered skin tissue has been in the works since the 1990s. As of recent years, the medical field also began to take advantage of the untapped potential of 3D printing for the biofabrication of tissue. To do so, researchers created a set of goals for fabricated tissues based on the characteristics of natural human tissues and organs. Fabricated tissue was then measured against this set of standards. Researchers were interested in not only creating tissue that functioned like natural tissues but in creating techniques for 3D printing that would print tissues quickly, efficiently, and ultimately result in the ability to mass produce fabricated tissues. Three promising methods of 3D printing emerged from their research: thermal inkjet printing with bioink, direct-write bioprinting, and organ printing using tissue spheroids. This review will discuss all three printing techniques, as well as their advantages, disadvantages, and the possibility of future advancements in the field of tissue fabrication.

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Author Contributions

SP and VY prepared the manuscript.

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  1. American International Medical University, Beausejour Road, Gros Islet, St. Lucia

    Satyajit Patra & Vanesa Young

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  1. Satyajit Patra
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  2. Vanesa Young
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Correspondence to Satyajit Patra.

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Patra, S., Young, V. A Review of 3D Printing Techniques and the Future in Biofabrication of Bioprinted Tissue. Cell Biochem Biophys 74, 93–98 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12013-016-0730-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12013-016-0730-0

Keywords

  • 3D printed tissue
  • Biofabrication
  • Bioprinting