Bioprinting technique holds shape and stimulates cell growth

The development from a team at KAUST in Saudi Arabia involves an automated process that prints a peptide-based hydrogel scaffold containing uniformly distributed cells. According to KAUST, the scaffolds hold their shapes well and successfully facilitate cell growth that lasts for weeks.

Bioprinting microrobot holds promise for internal tissue repairs

Ceramic-based ink enables 3D-printed bone tissue

Scientists have experimented with natural and synthetic ‘bioinks’ to print out scaffolds that hold cells in place as they grow and form a tissue with a specific shape, but cell survival remains a challenge. Natural bioinks including gelatin and collagen need to be treated with chemicals or ultraviolet light to hold their shape, which affects cell viability. The synthetic polymer hydrogels tested to date also require the use of harsh chemicals and conditions that threaten cell survival.