WHAT’S 3D PRINTING?

• Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a

manufacturing method in which objects are
made by fusing or depositing materials-such
as PLA, metal, ceramics, powders, liquids, or
even living cells-in layers to produce a 3D
object.
• This process is also referred to as Additive
manufacturing (AM), Rapid prototyping (RP),
or Solid free-form technology (SFF).
 What is BioPrinting?
• Three dimensional (3D) Bioprinting is the utilization
of 3D printing–like techniques to combine cells, growth
factors, and biomaterials to fabricate biomedical parts
that maximally imitate natural tissue characteristics.
• 3D Bioprinting utilizes the layer-by-layer method to
deposit materials known as bioinks to create tissue-like
structures that are later used in medical and tissue
engineering fields.
Methods of BioPrinting
 Approaches of BioPrinting
•“Biomimicry” is the design and
production of materials, structures,
Biomimicry & systems that replicate biological
entities and processes.

• “Self-assembly” involves replication similar to

Self that of embryonic organ development, where
the cells direct their own composition,
Assembly localization, functional, & structural
properties of the tissue.

• The third approach of bioprinting is a combination of both

the biomimicry and self-assembly approaches, which is

Mini-tissue called mini tissues. Organs and tissues are built from very
small functional components. Mini-tissue approach takes
these small pieces and manufacture and arrange them into
larger framework.
PROCESS OF BIOPRINTING
PRE-
BIOPRINTING

BIOPRINTING

POST-
BIOPRINTING
 PRE-BIOPRINTING
Biopsy of organ (Computed Tomography
[CT] or Magnetic Resonance
Imaging [MRI])

Reconstruction of image as 2D for layer

by layer approach

After image was completed, certain cells

isolated and multiplied for further
process
 BIOPRINTING
Bioinks ( the liquid mixture of cells, matrix,
and nutrients) was created and inserted to
printer catridges

3D Bioprinting involves dispensing cells onto

a biocompatible scaffold using a successive
layer-by-layer approach to generate tissue-like
three-dimensional structure

Bioprinted pre-tissue is transferred to an

incubator, this cell-based pre-tissue matures
into a tissue.
 Post-BioPrinting
The post-bioprinting process is necessary to create a stable
structure from the biological material.

To maintain the object, both mechanical and chemical

stimulations are needed. These stimulations send signals to
the cells to control the remodeling and growth of tissues.

Bioreactors work in either providing convective nutrient

transport, creating microgravity environments, changing the
pressure causing solution to flow through the cells, or add
compression for dynamic or static loading. Each type of
bioreactor is ideal for different types of tissue, for example
compression bioreactors are ideal for cartilage tissue.
 BENEFITS OF BIOPRINTING
• Use of own biological material, reduce chance of
rejection.
• No need for expensive and harmful immune
suppressing drugs
• No need for organ waiting and will put an end to
trafficking body organs on the black market
• No need for animal or human trial
• Endless tissue regenerating possibilities
• Customization and Personalization
• Use of Eco-friendly materials
 CHALLENGES IN ORGAN BIOPRINTING
• Creating the networks of blood vessels
(Vascularization)
• Make the resin sensitive enough to replicate those
minute details.
• Structural integrity and functional properties of the
bioprinted sample is another challenging problem.
• Finding (or inventing) Bioinks that are able to be
dispensed, that will remain stable when printed, that
are biocompatible and nontoxic, and that will also be
degraded over time as the healing process takes
over, is no small task.
COMPANIES FOR 3D PRINTING
Armed Forces Institute of
Regenerative
Organavo Medicine(AFIRM)
[3d liver] [Healing for soldiers
wound]

Helisys Ultimateker
[Tissue] [Tissue]
 COMMERCIAL AVAILABILITY OF 3D
PRINTERS
• A relatively sophisticated 3D printer costs
about $2,500 to $3,000, and simpler models
can be purchased for as little as $300 to $400
• Popular 3D printing services have emerged,
such as Shapeways (www.shapeways.com)

Thingiverse (www.thingiverse.com)

MyMiniFactory (www.
myminifactory.com)
Threeding (www.threeding.com)
 EXPECTED ADVANCEMENT IN 3D
PRINTING
10
8.9
9
8
7
6
5
4 total
3 medical
2
1 0.7
0
Present after 10 yrs
total 0.7 8.9
medical 0.011 1.9
Rice University Has Successfully Developed 3D Organ
That Micmics Lungs
Pseudomonas putida Bioremediation

Acetobacter xylinum Production of cellulose