Clinically Relevant Bioprinting Workflow and Imaging Process for Tissue Construct Design and Validation

Abstract

As technologies have advanced around medical imaging and additive manufacturing, intersections are producing enabling technologies that augment the medical sciences. Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, in particular, is emerging as a promising enabling technology for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. In this study, we developed a workflow to take 3D medical images and utilized them for bone construct design, bioprinting, and in vivo validation. Medical imaging and 3D bioprinting strategy converged to allow the fabrication of a structure with complex shape and inner architecture based on patient anatomy and biomimicry. The workflow demonstrated the power of the technological intersection and the need for further software development to harness and, eventually, explore potential clinical applications. The outcome of this study validated the concept that patient-specific anatomy could be translated to 3D bioprinting strategy through medical imaging and image processing software with strong clinical relevance.