3D Bioprinting and Its Application to Organ-on-a-Chip

Abstract

Bioprinting technology is the most advanced technology for producing biomimetic cellular constructs. This technology can produce computer designed 3D structures with multiple types of cells, biomaterials, and biomolecules. Recently, bioprinting has been actively applied in the development of organ-on-a-chip. The study has usually focused on developing biomimetic tissue models with living cells for the liver, micro-vascular network, skin, heart, etc., and studies have shown promising results. A recent study has also shown that bioprinting can be applied to cell-laden-microfluidic systems and biosensors, which are the main components of organ-on-a-chip. This technical flexibility should enhance the completeness of organ-on-a-chip, and automated process with bioprinting should improve the system's repeatability. This review investigates the current technical level of bioprinting and its applicability in organ-on-a-chip, and current obstacles in producing organ-on-a-chip that has physiological relevance for the human body will be also discussed.