Science Digest: Bioengineering Organs

The Renaissance of 3D Printing in Biotech

Imagine a world where you could print a liver. Team KC Laboratory Informatics Consultant Brett Seese covers the latest on how scientists are using "bio-ink" to print cells.

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Recent advancements in biotechnology involving printed cells embedded in a “bio-ink” matrix could usher in a new era of regenerative medicine. 

Over the past forty years, 3D printing has evolved from a novelty into a powerhouse process utilized across numerous industries. Initially confined to the design of small trinkets and polymers, 3D printing is now employed in the production of vehicles, houses, and complex pieces of machinery. But what if we could harness this technology to engineer functional tissue constructs?

Bioprinting, an up and coming technology, is capable of producing complex biological structures with highly reproducible accuracy. Biofabrication has existed for some time now, but the outputs of these experiments tend to contain structural inconsistencies. Furthermore, automation of tissue fabrication is difficult and not easily programmable. Advancements in bioprinting technology over the past decade have drastically improved the ability to engineer tissue through Inkjet, Laser-Assisted, Extrusion, and Light Based methodologies. However, the most crucial component to the rapid advancement of tissue engineering is the research and development of “bio-ink”. 

“Bio-ink” is a mixture of several biomaterials that encompass all necessary cell types and possess the appropriate mechanical and biological properties of the corresponding tissue. According to the National Library of Medicine, Bioinks are typically utilized in solution and hydrogel form, bio-ink can be easily cross-linked and stabilized to generate the desired structure. New inks and assembly protocols are being developed globally, with some recent discoveries having the potential to revolutionize regenerative medicine as we know it today. For instance, scientists in Frankfurt developed full-thickness skin that remained viable for over a month in 2023. Another organization, the Biofabrication Facility (est. 2023) is working to use microgravity to assist in the production of human organs with bioprinting (in space)! However, the technology is not yet advanced enough to reliably produce the most complex human organs for transplant. 

As bioprinting evolves and new companies emerge to tackle this ground-breaking research, data integrity will remain an essential part of validating and replicating new findings. At Karchem Consulting, we are passionate about architecting data solutions for the unique challenges faced by biotechs. If your company is focused on cutting-edge research like bioprinting and seeking ways to streamline your R&D data, please contact us.