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Abstract 3D bioprinting has enabled the fabrication of tissue‐mimetic constructs with freeform designs that include living cells. In the development of new bioprinting techniques, the controlled use of diffusion has become an emerging strategy to tailor the properties and geometry of printed constructs. Specifically, the diffusion of molecules with specialized functions, including crosslinkers, catalysts, growth factors, or viscosity‐modulating agents, across the interface of printed constructs will directly affect material properties such as microstructure, stiffness, and biochemistry, all of which can impact cell phenotype. For example, diffusion‐induced gelation is employed to generate constructs with multiple materials, dynamic mechanical properties, and perfusable geometries. In general, these diffusion‐based bioprinting strategies can be categorized into those based on inward diffusion (i.e., into the printed ink from the surrounding air, solution, or support bath), outward diffusion (i.e., from the printed ink into the surroundings), or diffusion within the printed construct (i.e., from one zone to another). This review provides an overview of recent advances in diffusion‐based bioprinting strategies, discusses emerging methods to characterize and predict diffusion in bioprinting, and highlights promising next steps in applying diffusion‐based strategies to overcome current limitations in biofabrication.
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This content will become publicly available on December 1, 2026
Review of Disruptive Technologies in 3D Bioprinting
Abstract Purpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to share insights from recognized experts in 3D biopriniting on the recent advances in these technologies discussed during a recent workshop held in conjunction with the 2024 ISS National Laboratory Research and Development Conference (ISSRDC). We seek to answer how microgravity can be used as a disruptor to make further advances not possible through conventional means. Recent FindingsThis review will cover current efforts underway to use microgravity for 3D bioprinting. For instance multi-levitation biofabrication technology funded under the EU PULSE project is currently being used to create cardiovascular 3D in vitro models to better mimic cardiac and vascular physiology compared to organoids. These types of models could be expanded to other organ systems and disease models to use the environment of microgravity to unlock new signaling pathways to cure disease. SummaryThe major takeaway from this review is that microgravity will unlock new opportunities for 3D bioprinting that were simply not possible using conventional means. We provide forward looking answers to what microgravity will inspire from advanced biomaterials to new disease models to even creating a knowledge hub for 3D bioprinting to launch new platforms at record speeds.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2317757
- PAR ID:
- 10608848
- Publisher / Repository:
- Springer Nature
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Current Stem Cell Reports
- Volume:
- 11
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 2198-7866
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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