Printers that deposit living cells are constructing functional tissue. Bioprinting lays down cells and scaffolds in precise 3D patterns. Researchers aim toward implantable tissues and, eventually, organs.
Printing with cells
The ink is alive. Cells and gels are deposited in patterns. Structure is built up.
Vasculature
A key hurdle. Thick tissue needs blood vessels. Printing them is hard.
Functional tissue
Progress shows. Skin, cartilage, and small structures work. Complexity grows.
Toward organs
The aim is grand. Printed organs could ease shortages. The goal is distant.
Patient-specific
Customization helps. Tissues can match a recipient. Rejection may drop.
Maturation
Time is needed. Printed cells must organize and mature. Bioreactors assist.
The bottom line
Bioprinting deposits living cells in precise 3D patterns to build functional tissue. Vascularizing thick tissue is the key hurdle. The field advances toward implantable tissues and, eventually, organs.
