Relevance of Bio-Inks for 3D Bioprinting

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also called additive manufacturing, is driving innovations in many fields, such as automotive, medicine, manufacturing, aerospace, art, education, marine, robotics, and others. Recent innovations have enabled the 3D printing of biocompatible materials, cells, and their supporting components into complicated 3D functional living tissues. Three-dimensional bioprinting is applied in the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and restoration of many tissues, organs, cells, and the like. Three-dimensional bioprinting has flexibility in the production/fabrication of complex geometries and uses various materials, cell types, and growth factors and, furthermore, has some technical challenges in constructing tissues and their sensitivities to living cells. Considering the future worldwide demand for organ replacements or tissue regeneration, 3D bioprinting will play a vital role in the medical sector. The main component of 3D bioprinting is bio-ink, which is crucial for the growth of functional organs or tissue structures. The bio-inks used in bioprinting are considered vital, helping cells grow into certain organs or tissues. So selecting bio-inks due to their properties, the combining different methods for producing them, and enhancing their properties are vital for developing more successful bio-inks for the printing of organs. In this chapter, the authors briefly present the technologies used for bioprinting, the factors affecting bioprinting, and the importance of bio-inks in bioprinting. Furthermore, the authors present many bio-inks and their formulations necessary for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The basic requirements for selecting a bio-ink regarding its properties such as biocompatibility, printability, and mechanical properties, which are crucial for the growth of complex tissues/organs, are presented. Three-dimensional bioprinting has been in use now for generation for the transplantation of tissues, bones, tracheal splints, heart tissues, and cartilaginous tissues.