3D micromesh-based hybrid bioprinting: multidimensional liquid patterning for 3D microtissue engineering

Abstract Bioprinting has been widely used to fabricate tissue engineering scaffolds and develop in vitro tissue/tumor models. Bioprinting has enabled the fabrication of complex 3D structures using different polymers and hydrogels. However, relatively low resolution and long fabrication times due to the extrusion process has resulted in limited practices for cell-based applications. Here, we present a 3D hybrid-micromesh assisted bioprinting (Hy-MAP) method that combines digital light projection (DLP) 3D-printed micromesh scaffold structures and sequential hydrogel patterning. This novel method of bioprinting enables rapid cell coculture through the allowance of various methods, including injection, dipping and draining. This approach enables the construction of mesoscale (1-50 mm) complex 3D hydrogel structures by extending the micropost-based patterning that has been demonstrated in 2D …