Digital light processing-based multi-material bioprinting: Processes, applications, and perspectives

J Biomed Mater Res A. 2023 Apr;111(4):527-542. doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.37473. Epub 2022 Nov 27.

Abstract

In the past decade, three-dimensional (3D) printing technology based on digital light processing (DLP) has developed rapidly and shown application prospects in several fields such as pneumatic robotics, flexible electronics, and tissue engineering. In particular, DLP-based multi-material printing has been capable of constructing heterogeneous 3D structures with characteristic gradients. DLP 3D printing technology has a wide range of applications in the field of bioprinting due to its high precision and mild printing conditions, including functionalized artificial tissues, medical models, and bioreactors. This paper focuses on the development of DLP-based multi-material 3D printing technology and its applications in the field of bioprinting, followed by giving an outlook on future efforts on overcoming the challenges and obstacles of this promising technique.

Keywords: bioprinting; digital light processing; multi-material printing; tissue engineering; vat polymerization.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bioprinting* / methods
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional
  • Tissue Engineering / methods
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry