Application of a 3D bioprinter: jet technology for 'biopatch' development using cells on hydrogel supports.

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) has been deployed across multiple platforms to fabricate bioengineered tissues. We demonstrate the use of a Thermal Inkjet Pipette System (TIPS) for targeted delivery of cells onto manufactured substrates to design bio-bandages. Two cell lines - HEK 293 (kidney) and K7M2 wt (bone) - were applied using TIPS. We demonstrate a novel means for targeted cell delivery to a hydrogel support structure. These cell/support constructs (bio-bandages) had a high viability for survival and growth over extended periods. Combining a flexible biosupport with application of cells via TIPS printing now for the first time allows for custom cell substrate constructs with various densities to be deployed for regenerative medicine applications.

Three-Dimensional Bioprinting Applications for Bone Tissue Engineering.

The skeletal system is a key support structure within the body. Bones have unique abilities to grow and regenerate after injury. Some injuries or degeneration of the tissues cannot rebound and must be repaired by the implantation of foreign objects following injury or disease. This process is invasive and does not always improve the quality of life of the patient. New techniques have arisen that can improve bone replacement or repair. 3D bioprinting employs a printer capable of printing biological materials in multiple directions. 3D bioprinting potentially requires multiple steps and additional support structures, which may include the use of hydrogels for scaffolding. In this review, we discuss normal bone physiology and pathophysiology and how bioprinting can be adapted to further the field of bone tissue engineering.