Issue 2, 2014

Light-assisted direct-write of 3D functional biomaterials

Abstract

Light-assisted 3D direct-printing of biomaterials and cellular-scaffolds has the potential to develop novel lab-on-a-chip devices (LOCs) for a variety of biomedical applications, from drug discovery and diagnostic testing to in vitro tissue engineering and regeneration. Direct-writing describes a broad family of fabrication methods that typically employ computer-controlled translational stages to manufacture structures at multi-length scales. This review focuses on light-assisted direct-write fabrication for generating 3D functional scaffolds with precise micro- and nano-architecture, using both synthetic as well as naturally derived biomaterials. Two bioprinting approaches are discussed in detail – projection printing and laser-based systems – where each method is capable of modulating multiple scaffold parameters, such as 3D architecture, mechanical properties (e.g. stiffness), Poisson's ratio, chemical gradients, biological cell distributions, and porosity. The light-assisted direct-writing techniques described in this review provide the reader with alternative approaches to fabricate 3D biomaterials for utility in LOCs.

Graphical abstract: Light-assisted direct-write of 3D functional biomaterials

Additions and corrections

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
23 May 2013
Accepted
08 Oct 2013
First published
20 Nov 2013
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Lab Chip, 2014,14, 268-275

Light-assisted direct-write of 3D functional biomaterials

K. C. Hribar, P. Soman, J. Warner, P. Chung and S. Chen, Lab Chip, 2014, 14, 268 DOI: 10.1039/C3LC50634G

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