2 - Design for Bioprinting

Abstract

To bioprint tissue and organ constructs, patient-specific anatomical models need to be obtained; however, these models mainly provide external surface information only. The internal architecture of tissue constructs plays a crucial role as it provides a porous environment for media exchange, vascularization, tissue growth, and engraftment. This chapter discusses currently available medical imaging techniques used in acquisition of anatomical models, including magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and ultrasound, and compares their strengths and limitations. Then, consideration for design architecture is discussed, and various approaches in blueprint modeling of tissue constructs are presented for creation of porous architectures. Next, existing toolpath planning approaches for bioprinting of tissues and organs are presented. Design limitations for bioprinting are discussed, and future perspectives are provided to the reader.