Abstract: Bioprinters use biological inks (i.e. bioinks) to produce biomaterials such as cell cultures (including 3D cell cultures), living tissues, and organs. Bioprinters as described by the present invention include those capable of performing high-throughput industrial scale assays, applications, and development while maintaining precision.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optical assessments of bioink printability are described. The systems and methods include the use of hardware, software and optical targets to aid in the evaluation of bioink printability. The optical targets are developed and fabricated from 3D printable materials determined to be “nozzle fidelic” and/or materials that possess well characterized thermosensitivity. The optical targets make it possible to rapidly compare and evaluate bioink printability and can be easily customized and tailored for specific applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double network bioink that is customizable and tailorable in terms of mechanical characteristics, diffusivity, and biological functionality that is printable at room temperature and cytocompatible. Double network bioinks of the present invention can be utilized as a standard for comparison and evaluation of bioinks and during calibration and/or are suited for the education field as a “blank slate” bioink that can be utilized to convey different scientific concepts. Specific bioinks included comprise: one or more biocompatible or non-biocompatible thickener; one or more polyethylene glycol based crosslinkable network; one or more photoinitiator; and/or optionally, one or more additives to impart desired and/or different characteristics to the bioink. In embodiments the thickener and polyethylene glycol based crosslinkable network form a structure comprising two interpenetrating networks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double network bioink that is customizable and tailorable in terms of mechanical characteristics, diffusivity, and biological functionality that is printable at room temperature and cytocompatible. Double network bioinks of the present invention can be utilized as a standard for comparison and evaluation of bioinks and during calibration and/or are suited for the education field as a “blank slate” bioink that can be utilized to convey different scientific concepts. Specific bioinks included comprise: one or more biocompatible or non-biocompatible thickener; one or more polyethylene glycol based crosslinkable network; one or more photoinitiator; and/or optionally, one or more additives to impart desired and/or different characteristics to the bioink. In embodiments the thickener and polyethylene glycol based crosslinkable network form a structure comprising two interpenetrating networks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optical assessments of bioink printability are described. The systems and methods include the use of hardware, software and optical targets to aid in the evaluation of bioink printability. The optical targets are developed and fabricated from 3D printable materials determined to be “nozzle fidelic” and/or materials that possess well characterized thermosensitivity. The optical targets make it possible to rapidly compare and evaluate bioink printability and can be easily customized and tailored for specific applications.

Abstract: Bioink compositions comprising a biomaterial (mammalian, plant based, synthetically derived, or microbially derived) such as a hydrogel and a microbial-, fungal-, or plant-produced polysaccharide, with or without cells, for use in the 3D bioprinting of human tissues and scaffolds are described. The bioink compositions have excellent printability and improved cell function, viability and engraftment. Furthermore, the bioink compositions can be supplemented through the additional of auxiliary proteins and other molecules such as growth factors including extracellular matrix components, Laminins, super affinity growth factors and morphogens. The bioink compositions can be used under physiological conditions related to 3D bioprinting parameters which are cytocompatible (e.g. temperature, printing pressure, nozzle size, bioink gelation process).