Three-dimensional Bioprinting utilizes 3D printing–like procedures to produce biomedical parts. This is done with the help of biomaterials, growth factors, and cells to mimic natural tissue features. In general, 3D Bioprinting uses a layer-by-layer process to deposit bioinks to generate tissue-like structures. These can then be employed in tissue engineering and medical applications. 3D bioprinting encompasses a wide range of techniques and substances.
Recently, researchers have developed a method that combines bioprinting cryopreservation. The approach has immense potential and could boost the 3D Bioprinting Market by creating frozen, cell-filled structures applicable in drug development, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering.
Bioprinting refers to a process wherein ink of cells is printed layer by layer to create a structure. Now the process has been taken to a completely different level. The team has invented "cryobioprinting," a way of printing frozen, complex designs that can be easily kept for later use via a bioink loaded with cells.
The best aspect of Cryobioprinting is that it can extend the shelf life of bioprinted tissue. The team believes that the storage could last up to three months, but it could be even more. And the unique version, referred to as the vertical 3D cryobioprinting approach, could be helpful in drug discovery, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and tailored treatments.
Researchers printed tissue constructions on a customized freezing plate with the help of a cryoprotected bioink packed with cells. The printed structures were promptly cryopreserved in a liquid nitrogen tank for later usage. The researchers realized they could accurately control and stabilize temperature using the freezing plate during the cryobioprinting operation.
The team improved and tested the approach. They discovered that it could accurately generate tissue constructions used as implants and tissue products.
The researchers used cryoprotected bioink to make vertical, 3D structures that resemble anisotropic, fragile, and intricate tissues found in the human body. Numerous tissues in the human body are anisotropic, including muscles and neurons. This denotes that they have distinct properties in different directions. The structures developed by the researchers were likewise anisotropic, with microscale pores aligned vertically.
The scientists created a muscle-tendon unit using myoblasts and fibroblasts as a proof-of-concept. The researchers also created a muscle-microvascular unit.
The researchers point out that this work is still in its early stages of development. It will require additional validation and testing before being used in the clinic, but the two studies are a significant step forward.
These generated tissue constructs may find a variety of applications in muscular tissue engineering and beyond as the field of tissue engineering advances.