Bioprinting Blog

Cell-laden hydrogel microgrids x New Methods A team from the University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan campus has developed a new technique called direct laser bioprinting (DBLP), which allows researchers to print living tissues instrumental to cancer research. This method entails utilizing a laser diode to photo-crosslink at a wavelength of 405 nm, enabling researchers to print artificial tissues at an unprecedented resolution and level of precision [1]. The tissues printed using this method can also sustain living cells with an unparalleled 95% effectiveness, meaning that cells can successfully survive on the engineered tissue structures [2]. The UBC team postulated and determined that DBLP can be utilized in “cell-laden hydrogel microgrids, hydrogel microwells, cell seeding, and cell encapsulation,” [3] adding to its appeal as a key innovation. According to lead researcher Dr. Keekyoung Kim, these findings have numerous potential applications, “from helping people sufferi...

Here is the 2nd blog to our series of beginners guide to bioprinting. The purpose of this guide is to provide basic knowledge in a topic of interest in the field of bioprinting. This blog will feature the use of alginate as a biomaterial for bioprinting. Alginic acid, or more commonly known as alginate, is probably one of the most commonly used and versatile hydrogels for cell encapsulation, cell culture, and tissue engineering. Its biocompatibility and simple cross-linking / gelation chemistry makes it ideal for encapsulating cells. In addition, chemical modifications can be made on the polymer chain to promote cell adhesion and cell growth. Stay tuned to more educational beginners guides to bioprinting featuring other biomaterials like collagen and pluronic. To view or participate in our webinar series, click here . In this blog, we will discuss how alginate has been used for bioprinting. What is alginate? Alginate is an anionic polysaccharide derived from b...

Why it is important to bring bioprinting technology into the classroom? One of SE3D’s core values is to share our technology with the education community, democratizing bioprinting technology to spur new innovations across all levels. Bioprinting is important because it is a cornerstone technology that can provide transformative solutions in healthcare such as organ printing and tissue regeneration. In order for us to be successful in bringing bioprinting into the classroom, we need passionate teachers like Ms. Adelle Schade to deliver this opportunity to her students. I met Adelle at the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) conference in Philadelphia back in 2015. The very first time we met, Adelle only saw the “concept” prototype of our r3bEL bioprinter, but when I explained to her what bioprinting and SE3D is about, she immediately got what we were trying to do. On the following day, she came back to our booth with fellow teachers and friends. I could alread...