3D Bioprinting with Live Cells

Abstract

In recent years, the shortage of available organs for transplant patients has grown exponentially across the globe. Consequently, the healthcare industry is in dire need of artificial substitutes. Many recent research studies and tissue engineering groups have decided to utilize 3D bioprinting to produce these artificial organs. This synthetic organ printing is made possible by advancements in the materials required for the constructs, the printing methodologies used to produce them, and the final physical structures’ varying properties. The cutting-edge research and technology related to 3D and 4D live cell bioprinting have recently allowed researchers to produce multiple types of artificial organs and tissues. These tissues can be utilized for drug screening and organ replacement applications. This article provides an extensive review of all the pertinent 3D live cell bioprinting technologies. First, we describe scaffolding methods and their comparison with the traditional technologies. Second, we explain the 3D bioprinting technology, its evolution, and its multiple types. Moreover, we describe the pros and cons of each bioprinting method. Third, we have discussed the critical bioink properties and their impact on the formation of 3D bioprinting models. In addition, we also describe the mechanical properties of bioprinters. Fourth, we have thoroughly discussed the various types of hydrogels and their properties. Every kind of hydrogel is utilized in specific applications, and we have presented a comprehensive list of its advantages and disadvantages. Fifth, we have discussed various applications of 3D bioprinting technology. We have considered a case study of human organs and elaborated on how bioprinters can revolutionize the organ replacement industry. Finally, we evaluated the possibility of 4D printing in the future organ industry, incorporating temporal factors into the bioprinting process.