The main goal of this project was the fabrication of a prototype of a 3D printing platform that can combine multiple customised print heads. Additionally, we aimed at validating it as an on-demand platform by demonstrating its versatility in using different inks (materials) with varied intrinsic properties to fabricate 3D structures with virtually any architecture.
Indeed, a printer combining multiple, customised and independently controlled printheads that allows the use of up to six different materials in the fabrication of a single 3D structure was developed. Importantly, this printing platform comprises different tools that allow using materials whose properties can be controlled by temperature, light or chemical interactions, in an on-demand fashion. It is also digitally and manually controlled by a user-friendly firmware and software that can be easily adjusted according to the user requirements. Overall, the developed technology allows fabricating 3D structures with the simplest to the most complex architectures, using conventional or innovative materials, without major adjustments to the base set-up.
A 3D bioprinting platform capable of responding to the ever-evolving science and to the development of innovative materials is now available. The fabrication of devices that need to combine different materials and/or architectures each of each responsible for a specific functionality – p.e. diagnostic tools - can be readily achieved with this platform. Whenever these materials are capable of supporting specific cell responses, complex tissue-like structures (different cell types and extracellular components) can be fabricated. These can used earlier in the drug discovery process as highly reproducible and more predictive alternatives than animal models. This would improve the identification of ineffective and harmful drugs before going into clinical trials, significantly reducing the costs. Similarly, 3D bioprinted tissues are very attractive for toxicology tests of cosmetic and chemicals reducing/banning animal testing.
