Functional substrate-enhanced bioprinting technology for next-generation organ-on-a-chip: from fabrication to functionalization

The integration of bioprinting with advanced substrate technologies offers a transformative approach to tissue engineering, providing vital insight into the development of complex organ-on-a-chip systems. Bioprinting enables the creation of sophisticated microscale biological structures, with the receiving substrate playing a critical role beyond merely supporting the printed constructs. This review explores how substrates enhance both the fabrication precision and functionality of bioprinted tissues, thereby increasing their physiological relevance and analytical capabilities. We demonstrate the potential of substrate-enhanced bioprinting in constructing advanced in vitro models by examining its recent advances, from fabrication technologies to functional applications. This technology has the potential to bridge the gap between traditional cell culture and physiologically relevant tissue models, advancing the development of next-generation organ-on-a-chip platforms.