Application of a 3D bioprinter: jet technology for ‘biopatch’ development using cells on hydrogel supports

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) has been deployed across multiple platforms to fabricate bioengineered tissues. We demonstrate the use of a Thermal Inkjet Pipette System (TIPS) for targeted delivery of cells onto manufactured substrates to design bio-bandages. Two cell lines – HEK 293 (kidney) and K7M2 wt (bone) – were applied using TIPS. We demonstrate a novel means for targeted cell delivery to a hydrogel support structure. These cell/support constructs (bio-bandages) had a high viability for survival and growth over extended periods. Combining a flexible biosupport with application of cells via TIPS printing now for the first time allows for custom cell substrate constructs with various densities to be deployed for regenerative medicine applications.

Keywords

• additive manufacture
• bioink
• bone cells
• gelatin-based scaffolds
• HEK cells
• human cells