The future of bioprinting is full of potential, with new trends that could impact the industry. These upcoming developments could drive the next wave of innovation, expanding what’s possible in bioprinting.

As the bioprinting landscape evolves, several key trends are emerging that promise to shape its future. From the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to the push for sustainability, these trends are set to redefine how bioprinting is used in medicine, research, and beyond.

AI-Powered Bioprinting

Bioprinting experts have recently spoken about the potential of combining AI and bioprinting. Ideally, by analyzing and optimizing complex biological data in real time, AI can significantly reduce errors and improve outcomes in the printing process. As AI continues to integrate into bioprinting platforms, it’s expected to streamline the design and production of tissues, making the process more efficient and effective.

Beyond improving precision, AI could also optimize the composition of bioinks, predicting how different materials will interact and behave during printing. This could lead to the creation of more compatible and functional tissues. AI-driven predictive modeling can simulate how printed tissues will develop over time, offering insights into their long-term viability and integration with human biology.

Moreover, AI is helping to automate tissue design, making it easier to create custom solutions for individual patients. This is especially important in personalized medicine, where treatments must be tailored to each person. AI also plays a key role in monitoring the printing process in real-time, quickly fixing any issues, which leads to better results and less waste.

Nano Tissue Engineering

Nano tissue engineering works at the molecular level, focusing on extremely small structures, often at the nanometer scale. This approach allows scientists to design tissues with very fine details that closely mimic the complex architecture of life-like tissues, like the arrangement of cells and the extracellular matrix. By creating these nano-scale structures, the engineered tissues can behave more like real human tissues, improving their functionality and integration when used in medical applications.

One company exploring this trend is Nanoscribe (now part of the BICO group), which focuses on 3D microfabrication and nanotechnology. The brand develops which develops high-precision 3D printers for fabricating nano- and micro-scale structures. These machines are used in tissue engineering to create extremely small, detailed scaffolds and components that boost the function of engineered tissues, potentially leading to better outcomes in tissue repair and organ replacement.

Graduate student uses Nanoscribe at Alice White’s Lab. Image courtesy of Boston University.

Regenerative Medicine & Bioprinting

Bioprinting is increasingly being integrated into regenerative medicine, offering innovative ways to repair or replace damaged tissues and organs. This trend is significant for developing personalized treatments that are tailored to each patient’s needs. By using a patient’s own cells, bioprinting allows for creating custom tissue implants that can significantly improve the success of medical procedures.

One company making strides in this area is 3D Systems. Its healthcare division has expanded to include bioprinting for use in complex tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Specifically, 3D Systems is collaborating with United Therapeutics to develop bioprinted lung tissue for potential use in human transplants.

Another example is Cyfuse Biomedical, a Japanese company that has developed a unique bioprinting technology called the Regenova 3D bioprinter. This technology assembles cell aggregates into three-dimensional tissues without the need for scaffolds. Cyfuse’s approach has successfully created tissues for regenerative medicine, such as cartilage and blood vessels, showing great potential for future clinical applications.

BIO 3D printer Regenova. Image Courtesy of Cyfuse.

Multi-Material Bioprinting

Using multiple materials in a single bioprinting process is becoming more common, allowing scientists to create more complex and functional tissues. By combining various materials in one printing process, researchers can produce tissues that not only look like natural tissues but also behave more like them, improving their potential for use in medical treatments.

Aspect Biosystems is one of the few companies that has developed bioprinting technologies that allow the use of multiple materials in a single print, like multiple cell types and extracellular matrix components. Their work is important for developing tissues for drug testing, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine.

Sustainability in Bioprinting

As with many industries, sustainability is becoming an essential concern in bioprinting. Researchers and companies are looking to reduce the environmental impact of bioprinting processes, from the materials used to the energy consumed during printing. This includes developing bioinks that are made from renewable or biodegradable materials and designing more energy-efficient machines.

Although sustainability efforts in bioprinting are not yet widespread, some companies are taking steps, like Poietis, which uses laser-assisted bioprinting technology to minimize waste by optimizing the precision of bioink deposition. Their focus on efficient resource use helps reduce the environmental footprint of bioprinting. Also, BICO’s subsidiary Cellink has its Sustainable Tissue Engineering Practices (STEP) initiative to promote eco-friendly practices. It focuses on creating sustainable bioinks and implementing environmentally responsible procedures throughout bioprinting. Meanwhile, Rokit Healthcare is developing bioinks from biodegradable materials, a move that is aligned with global efforts to protect the environment.

Researcher using Poietis’ NGB-R Bioprinter. Image courtesy of Poietis.

As the bioprinting field continues to evolve, the integration of these trends not only highlights the innovation happening in the industry but also points to a future where bioprinting could play a key role in medicine, research, and beyond. What’s more, these developments are being reflected across the global landscape of bioprinting companies, as captured in 3DPrint.com‘s newly revised bioprinting world map.