Multitechnology Biofabrication: A New Approach for the Manufacturing of Functional Tissue Structures?

Single-deposition biofabrication methods mimic form but have only limited ability to replicate function of biological tissues. Multitechnology biofabrication brings new perspectives towards functional tissue manufacturing. Integration of digital design and AI-powered real-time monitoring tools with multitechnology bioprinting will allow for high-throughput biofabrication. Although simple purpose-built bioprinting systems may find use in clinical environments, laboratory environments will strongly benefit from AI-driven multitechnology bioprinting systems. Most available 3D biofabrication technologies rely on single-component deposition methods, such as inkjet, extrusion, or light-assisted printing. It is unlikely that any of these technologies used individually would be able to replicate the complexity and functionality of living tissues. Recently, new biofabrication approaches have emerged that integrate multiple manufacturing technologies into a single biofabrication platform. This has led to fabricated structures with improved functionality. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the integration of different manufacturing technologies with the aim to fabricate more functional tissue structures. We provide our vision on the future of additive manufacturing (AM) technology, digital design, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of biofabrication. Most available 3D biofabrication technologies rely on single-component deposition methods, such as inkjet, extrusion, or light-assisted printing. It is unlikely that any of these technologies used individually would be able to replicate the complexity and functionality of living tissues. Recently, new biofabrication approaches have emerged that integrate multiple manufacturing technologies into a single biofabrication platform. This has led to fabricated structures with improved functionality. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the integration of different manufacturing technologies with the aim to fabricate more functional tissue structures. We provide our vision on the future of additive manufacturing (AM) technology, digital design, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of biofabrication. arranging microparticles and/or cells by applying a controlled acoustic or magnetic field, respectively, to a material. set of numerical algorithms able to make decisions without being explicitly programed. automated generation of biologically functional products with structural organization from living cells, bioactive molecules, biomaterials, and cell aggregates through bioprinting or bioassembly and subsequent tissue maturation processes. process of generating 3D models with a computer-based software followed by evaluation of their performance (e.g., structural, mechanical or biological) using numerical simulation tools. process of generating a 3D structure by light- or laser-assisted resin curing. process of accurate droplet deposition by generating pulses in the nozzle with acoustics (piezoelectric or ultrasound) or fluctuations in air pressure (microfluidic systems). generation of nanometer to micrometer-scale fibers by establishing an electrical field between the deposition material and collecting surface; includes solution electrospinning, melt electro-spinning, and writing (micro)-extrusion of a material through a nozzle to allow fiber deposition in a layer-by-layer fashion. Extrusion can be regulated pneumatically, or by use of a mechanical piston or screw system. access fidelity of cell/biomaterial deposition during the printing process using machine vision and inspection sensor systems of key printing parameters and printing environment conditions. automated process that integrates complementary manufacturing technologies into a single biofabrication platform to produce biological structures. Integrated technologies operate in a collaborative way and allow in-process variation of printing length scale and simultaneous processing of different materials.