3D bio-printing

Posted on : 13 Feb 2020

• Bio-printing is an additive manufacturing process where biomaterials such as cells and growth factors are combined to create tissue-like structures that imitate natural tissues.

• Bio-ink is used to create these structures in a layer-by-layer manner.

• Bio-ink: Bio-ink is a combination of living cells and a compatible base, like collagen, elastin, gelatin, hyaluronan, silk, alginate or nanocellulose.
• But the process can essentially be summarized into three key steps:

1. Pre bio-printing involves creating the digital model that the printer will produce. The technologies used are computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
2. Bio-printing is the actual printing process, where bio-ink is placed in a printer cartridge and deposition takes place based on the digital model.
3. Post bio-printing is the mechanical and chemical stimulation of printed parts so as to create stable structures for the biological material.

• Application:

• Medicine and Bio-engineering: Advancements in the production of cartilage tissue for use in reconstruction and regeneration.
• The process has potential to eradicate in future the need of organ donation and transplantation. Treatment for diseases can be tested using artificially affected tissues.
• Bone tissue regeneration as well as prosthetics and dental applications.
• Pharmaceutical testing and reduced need for animal trials.
• Cosmetic surgery

Article Related Questions

1. Recently, many developments have been made in the field of bio-printing. Which of the following is not a limitation of 3D bio-printing?
   1.The abundant and branched nature of the vasculature is difficult to reproduce
   2.Risk of immune rejection
   3.Accurately printing tissues on the micro-scale
   Choose the correct answer:

1.1 only

2.1 and 2 only

3.3 only

4.1, 2 and 3

Right Ans : 1 and 2 only

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