Consideration of requirements for materials for different bioprinting methods

Abstract

The object of research is the characteristics of the materials used in the bioprinting process. One of the biggest problems in the field of bioprinting is the materials used for printing organs, in particular, the lack of mechanical properties of these materials, such as strength, elasticity, ductility, wear resistance, and the like. They are essential to achieve the stabilization of printed structures. During the study, the requirements for materials used in the technology of three-dimensional bioprinting, including hydrogels, were discussed. Three main methods were considered (extrusion bioprinting, drip bioprinting, laser bioprinting), for each of which separate requirements for materials are put forward. Comparative assessment of these materials for different types of printing techniques are obtained. It is also determined that the extrusion printing technique is the most used for this direction of use, however, there remains the problem of the viability of living cells through the force of the bias stress, which occurs when the substance is squeezed out from the side of the nozzle walls. It is determined that the main requirements are the ability to gel, low surface tension, wettability and viscosity of the substance. Through understanding and structured information, it is possible to provide biological connections for better cellular interactions and improve the nutrient medium for the creation of physiologically relevant, functional tissues that can be engrafted by the human body after implantation. With such initial data, it is possible to develop new materials and improve existing ones that would meet all these requirements. By identifying the key problem, new ways of solving it can be developed. The above problems are some of the main reasons why researchers are still far from the bioprinting of clinically significant functional organs. Nonetheless, thanks to the new development, bioprinting will become a key technology for future tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and pharmaceuticals.