Feasibility of 3D bioprinting of a corneal stroma tissue equivalent using a desktop 3D printer

Abstract

Aims/Purpose: The aim of this poster is to present a proof of concept for the possibility of three‐dimensional bioprinting of a corneal stroma equivalent, using a modified (open source) three‐dimensional desktop printer.Methods: We present the experimental process designed for the realization of the three‐dimensional bioprinting of a corneal stroma equivalent, utilizing a tissue‐specific deposition nozzle based on commercially available and easily printable parts. The final design considers all the required modifications of the 3D printer and the selection of the appropriate bioink.Results: We designed a prototype proprietary device to be fitted on a MendelMax 3 3D printer. The particular open‐source device works as a syringe extruder, with the syringe containing the bioink. The composition of the bioink is based on a carefully selected blend of collagen, alginate, and keratocytes. The mixture demonstrates suitable structural integrity and transparency after crosslinking.Conclusions: This proof‐of‐concept work demonstrates that, with proper modification, a standard commercial three‐dimensional printer can be modified to use bioinks and bioprint corneal stroma tissue equivalents. More research is required regarding the viability of the tissue equivalents and their clinical applications.