Application of Three-Dimensional Printing in Biotechnology

Abstract

Nearly three decades after its debut, three-dimensional (3D)-printing technology is at the threshold of innovations in the field of medical science and technology. This chapter focuses on the application of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing in biotechnology. Fabrication of complex functional biological prototype with compatible substrates has opened an interesting domain in the field of 3D bioprinting. In contrast to printing nonbiological materials, bioprinting comes with certain intricacies that include choice of substrate material, cell type, growth factors, and technical challenges to handle sensitive live cells while constructing 3D biological structures. This technology has the advantages of high throughput and precise control of scaffold and cells that make it ideal for both translational medicines as well as for basic research. In bioprinting, the cells are patterned layer by layer with bioink using different techniques. These approaches include inkjet, extrusion, and laser-assisted bioprinting. Currently, 3D bioprinting technology is used to regenerate tissue, skin, bone, vascular graft, and cartilaginous structure. The execution of 3D bioprinting in the field of forensic science has paved the way for bone and tissue reconstruction of victims, used for identification and validation of the nature of accidents and murder cases. Future scope of 3D-printing technology and current applications of bioprinting are briefly discussed in the current chapter.