Page 10 - v11i4

International Journal of Bioprinting Bioprinting for tissue engineering and modeling

This bioink system holds promise for applications in soft These synergies are paving the way for next-generation
tissue engineering and regenerative therapies. biofabrication platforms that are smarter, faster, and
Finally, Gharraei et al. introduced a novel multi- more versatile.
6
material bioprinting process using a helical mixer to Despite these advancements, several challenges
fabricate fibers with controlled composition. This technique remain. Ensuring the long-term viability and functionality
enables the continuous mixing of multiple bioinks during of bioprinted tissues, achieving vascularization and
extrusion, allowing for spatially heterogeneous constructs innervation, and scaling up production for clinical use are
with tunable mechanical and biological properties. The active areas of research. Regulatory considerations also
approach opens new avenues for engineering complex play a crucial role, as the translation of bioprinted products
tissue interfaces and gradient structures. from bench to bedside requires rigorous validation and
The field of bioprinting has witnessed exponential standardization. Addressing these challenges will require
growth over the past decade, driven by advances continued investment in research, infrastructure, and
in biomaterials, printing technologies, and cellular interdisciplinary training.
engineering. As researchers continue to refine the Educational initiatives and workforce development are
resolution, speed, and fidelity of bioprinting systems, the pivotal to sustaining the rapid advancements in bioprinting.
ability to replicate native tissue architecture with increasing As the field evolves, there is an increasing demand for
complexity becomes more feasible. This progress is not professionals who possess interdisciplinary expertise in
only technological but also conceptual, as interdisciplinary both biological sciences and engineering. Recognizing
collaborations between engineers, biologists, and clinicians this need, academic institutions have begun to introduce
foster innovative approaches to longstanding challenges in specialized curricula and training programs in bioprinting
tissue engineering. and biofabrication. These initiatives aim to equip emerging
One of the most promising aspects of bioprinting scientists and engineers with the theoretical knowledge
is its potential to address the shortage of donor organs and practical skills necessary to innovate in scaffold design,
and tissues. By enabling the fabrication of patient- bioink formulation, and bioprinting technologies. 13,14
specific constructs, bioprinting offers a pathway toward In conclusion, the articles featured in this Special Issue
personalized regenerative therapies. For instance, the not only highlight the current achievements in bioprinting
use of patient-derived cells in bioinks can reduce the for tissue engineering and modeling but also point toward
risk of immune rejection and improve integration with a future where engineered tissues and organs become
host tissues. Moreover, the ability to customize scaffold integral components of medical practice. The diversity
7
geometry and mechanical properties allows for the creation of approaches and applications presented here reflects
of constructs tailored to the anatomical and functional the richness of the field and its potential to transform
requirements of individual patients.
healthcare. We anticipate that continued collaboration,
In addition to therapeutic applications, bioprinting is innovation, and investment will accelerate the realization
revolutionizing the field of in vitro modeling. Traditional of bioprinting’s full potential.
two-dimensional cell cultures often fail to recapitulate the
complex microenvironment of native tissues, limiting their Conflict of interest
utility in drug discovery and disease research. Bioprinted Both Dr. Liqun Ning and Dr. Xiongbiao Chen are Guest
models, by contrast, can incorporate multiple cell types,
extracellular matrix components, and spatial organization, Editors for this Special Issue. Dr. Xiongbiao Chen is
providing more physiologically relevant platforms. These also a co-author for two of the six papers published
models are particularly valuable for studying diseases such in this Special Issue. The authors declare they have no
as cancer, fibrosis, and infectious diseases, where cell–cell competing interests.
and cell–matrix interactions play critical roles. 8,9 References
The integration of bioprinting with other emerging
technologies further expands its capabilities. For example, 1. Khoshnood N, Frampton JP, Badri A, Zamanian A.
combining bioprinting with microfluidics enables the 3D bioprinting of betamethasone-loaded gellan gum–
creation of organ-on-a-chip systems that mimic the polyethyleneimine composite hydrogels for ocular drug
dynamic flow conditions of the human body. Similarly, delivery. Int J Bioprint. 2024;10(4):3440.
10
the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning doi:10.36922/ijb.3440
can optimize printing parameters and predict construct 2. Kühl J, Krümpelmann SM, Hildebrandt L, Bruhn M,
behavior, enhancing reproducibility and efficiency. 11,12 Fuchs S. Nanomaterial-modified bioinks for DLP-based

Volume 11 Issue 4 (2025) 2 doi: 10.36922/IJB025300302