Laser-based bioprinting for multilayer cell patterning in tissue engineering and cancer research

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is a process for patterning functional materials based on the digital 3D model. A bioink that contains cells, growth factors, and biomaterials are utilized for assisting cells to develop into tissues and organs. As a promising technique in regenerative medicine, many kinds of bioprinting platforms have been utilized, including extrusion-based bioprinting, inkjet bioprinting, and laser-based bioprinting. Laser-based bioprinting, a kind of bioprinting technology using the laser as the energy source, has advantages over other methods. Compared with inkjet bioprinting and extrusion-based bioprinting, laser-based bioprinting is nozzle-free, which makes it a valid tool that can adapt to the viscosity of the bioink; the cell viability is also improved because of elimination of nozzle, which could cause cell damage when the bioinks flow through a nozzle. Accurate tuning of the laser source and bioink may provide a higher resolution for reconstruction of tissue that may be transplanted used as an in vitro disease model. Here, we introduce the mechanism of this technology and the essential factors in the process of laser-based bioprinting. Then, the most potential applications are listed, including tissue engineering and cancer models. Finally, we present the challenges and opportunities faced by laser-based bioprinting.