Volumetric Bioprinting and Melt Electrowriting for Artificial Blood Vessels
August 22, 2023 | Terry Sharrer
“Volumetric bioprinting uses light to basically carve structures into cell-containing gels. It works quickly, which allows cells to remain viable during the process, but it produces substances that are flimsy due to the nature of the gel. Because blood vessels need to withstand significant forces, the research team [Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, NL] next turned to a process known as melt electrowriting. This is a 3D-printing technique that can make intricate rigid structures by melting tiny filaments of biodegradable plastic. The problem with it, though, is that live cells can’t be part of the process because the heat used would kill them.” MORE
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