3D Micro-fabrication by Inkjet 3D biofabrication for 3D tissue engineering

3D micro-fabrication technique is one of the essential technologies in manufacturing complicated 3D biological tissues by science and technology. We have developed "inkjet 3D biofabrication approach" as a technology to build up designed 3D biological tissues with micro- to macro-structures by handling different multi-types of living cells. In our technique using inkjet printing technique with gel precursor and gel reactant, 3D hydrogel structures can be fabricated. As a biocompatible hydrogel, we use alginate hydrogel, which protects living cells from drying and keep 3D structures in biological liquid media. With a custom made 3D bioprinter, several 2D and 3D structures have ever been fabricated. In this study, we tried to fabricate more miniaturized 3D structures. Using new version of experimental inkjet nozzle system, miniaturized 3D hydrogel tube could be successfully fabricated, which diameter and wall thickness were 100 mum and 40 mum, respectively. Compared to the previous gel tube of 1 mm diameter, substantial size reduction was achieved. Drop on demand inkjet 3D biofabrication approach has a good potential towards manufacturing of micro-scaled 3D tissue structures, which is essential structure for complicated biological tissues.