Bioprinter rapidly mimics tissues from brain to bone

Where most of today’s bioprinters rely on time-consuming layer-by-layer fabrication, the new platform uses an optical-based system where vibrating bubbles 3D print cellular structures in seconds. The technique is claimed to be 350 times than existing bioprinters, as well as enabling more accurate cell positioning for better replication of human tissue.

According to the Melbourne team, the device can mimic everything from soft brain tissue to tougher substances such as cartilage and bone. This accuracy combined with the platform’s speed could be a major boon for areas including cancer research and drug development. The work is published in Nature.

“In addition to drastically improving print speed, our approach enables a degree of cell positioning within printed tissues,” said Associate Professor David Collins, head of Melbourne’s Collins BioMicrosystems Laboratory.

“Incorrect cell positioning is a big reason most 3D bioprinters fail to produce structures that accurately represent human tissue. Just as a car requires its mechanical components to be arranged precisely for proper function, so too must the cells in our tissues be organised correctly. Current 3D bioprinters depend on cells aligning naturally without guidance, which presents significant limitations.