Handheld device prints biocompatible structures inside the body

The emergence of regenerative medicine has led to advances in the replacement, repair, or regeneration of damaged tissues and organs.

One of the major breakthroughs in regenerative medicine is in situ bioprinting, an extension of 3D printing technology, which is used to directly synthesise tissues and organs within the human body.

Whilst progress has been made in the field of in situ bioprinting technologies, certain devices are only compatible with specific types of bioink, while others can only create small patches of tissue at a time. Their designs are usually complex too, making them unaffordable and restricting their applications.

Now, in a study published in Biofabrication, a research team including Mr. Erik Pagan and Associate Professor Mohsen Akbari from the University of Victoria, Canada, have developed a handheld in situ bioprinter with a modular design that allows the printing of complex biocompatible structures.

“Two decades ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, which eventually led to the removal of her breast. This affected her well-being considerably. It made me realize that a technology like handheld bioprinting could not only help develop personalised implants for breast reconstruction that match the shape and size of the patient’s tissue, but also be used to create tumour models for the study of breast cancer biology. Such applications could significantly improve treatment outcomes for affected patients,” Prof. Akbari said in a statement.

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According to the team, a key feature of the handheld device is the presence of multiple bioink cartridges, each independently controlled by a pneumatic system. This gives the device operator sufficient control over the printing mixture, making it easier to develop structures with the required properties. Additional control is provided by a cooling module and a light emitting diode photocuring module.

Prof. Akbari said: “In situ bioprinting is suitable for repairing large defects caused by trauma, surgery, or cancer, which requires large-scale tissue constructs. In the long term, this technology can eliminate the need for organ donors, while also lowering the risks associated with transplantation, allowing patients to enjoy longer and healthier lives.”

Another application of this device is the production of drug delivery systems. An operator could construct scaffolds or structures that release a precise quantity of drugs, plus cells at specific locations within the body. This would make drugs more efficient, minimise side effects associated with them, and improve their safety. The technology reported in this paper may also speed up the discovery of new drugs by allowing scientists to develop more accurate drug testing models.

The team added that their innovation has the potential to develop custom prosthetics and orthopedic implants. Due to its portable nature, this bioprinter may help physicians match a patient’s tissue anatomy with greater accuracy and convenience, enhancing the functionality and aesthetic of the bioprinted construct.