3D bioprinting vascular networks in suspension baths

Fabricating engineered tissues with vascular networks to supply cells with oxygen and nutrients is critical for successful implantation. Cells are encapsulated in the engineered tissues during the fabrication process for a specific goal. Vascular networks that can maintain cell viability during culturing and after implantation can be included during the biomanufacturing process. For better mimicking their native counterparts, the vascular networks need to be highly organized with heterogeneous structures to allow nutrients to reach all of the cells. Many approaches have been explored to fabricate vascular networks for tissue regeneration due to the importance of vascularization for preserving cell viability and tissue function in vivo. Among them, suspension bath-based 3D bioprinting has shown excellent potential for fabricating biomimetic vascular networks. This review will give an overview of recent efforts of 3D bioprinting vascular networks in suspension baths. Finally, future perspectives will be proposed to fabricate vascular networks with optimal structure and biological function by 3D bioprinting in suspension baths.