Hybrid 3D Bioprinting of Sustainable Biomaterials for Advanced Multiscale Tissue Engineering
Xuejiao Ma, Mingqi Xu, Xiaolin Cui, Jun Yin, Qian Wu
Abstract
3D printing has greatly improved the precision of cell and biomaterial placement, enabling accurate reproduction of tissue models with sustainable potential. Various techniques, including inkjet printing, extrusion-based printing, and vat photopolymerization, offer unique advantages but often fail to replicate the full complexity of native tissues because of material and scalability limitations. Hybrid 3D bioprinting, combining multiple techniques in a single process, has shown great potential in creating complex tissue models with multifunctional capabilities, ranging from patient-specific implant fabrication to full-scale organ development. It capitalizes on the strengths of multiple techniques, enabling the integration of sustainable, renewable biomaterials at varying resolutions, from nano to microscale. This approach addresses both biological complexity and environmental responsibility by minimizing material waste and enhancing the sustainability of tissue engineering processes. Despite progress, a substantial gap remains between current technologies and bioengineering requirements. A deep understanding of hybrid 3D printing and its underlying mechanisms is crucial. Herein, this review summarizes and discusses recent advancements in hybrid systems for fabricating multiscale hierarchical tissue models, focusing on printing techniques and challenges in this field. It aims to offer insights and identify key requirements for advancing the technology toward developing functional, biomimetic tissue constructs.