Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bioprinting system (100) for printing a liquid directly onto a subject. The bioprinting system (100) comprises a bioprinting assembly (102). Optionally, a robotic arm (104) and a control system (150) are provided. The bioprinting assembly (102) may be coupled to the robotic arm (104) to be positionable relative to the subject. The bioprinting assembly (102) is configured to dispense the liquid onto the subject and comprises a reservoir (120) for holding the liquid and a loading mechanism (134) to prime the reservoir (120) with the liquid directly prior to printing. The loading mechanism (134) has a one way inlet to permit liquid to be loaded into the reservoir (120) and prevent fluid from exiting the reservoir via the one way inlet. There is also provided associated methods.

Abstract: A printhead assembly (100) suitable for a 3D bioprinter is disclosed, the printhead assembly (100) comprising at least one reservoir (106); a sample loading system (102) in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir (106), the sample loading system (102) configured to direct fluid into the at least one reservoir (106); and a dispensing system (103) having at least one dispensing outlet (126), the at least one dispensing outlet (126) in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir (106) and configured to dispense fluid from the at least one reservoir (106).

Abstract: A bioprinter for fabricating three-dimensional (3D) cell constructs, the bioprinter comprising one or more holding reservoirs for holding a fluid sample; a printstage for holding a sample container and supporting a substrate on which a 3D cell construct is to be printed; a sample loading system in fluid communication with the one or more holding reservoirs, the sample loading system configured to load a sample from a sample container into the one or more holding reservoirs; a pump in fluid communication with the sample loading system, the pump configured to draw the sample out of a sample container and pump the sample into the one or more holding reservoirs; and a droplet dispensing system in fluid communication with the one or more reservoirs, the droplet dispensing system configured to print sample droplets from the one or more reservoirs onto a substrate supported by the printstage.

Abstract: A process for producing a 3D tissue culture model by (a) printing a drop of bio-ink to a substrate; (b) printing a drop of activator to the drop of bio-ink to form a hydrogel droplet; (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) in any order to form a hydrogel mold adapted to receive a drop containing cells; (d) printing a drop containing cells to the hydrogel mold; and (e) repeating steps (a) and (b) in any order to form a 3D tissue culture model comprising the cells encapsulated in the hydrogel mold.

Abstract: A process for producing a 3D tissue culture model by (a) printing a drop of bio-ink to a substrate; (b) printing a drop en.) of activator to the drop of bio-ink to form a hydrogel droplet; (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) in any order to form a hydrogel mold adapted to receive a drop containing cells; (d) printing a drop containing cells to the hydrogel mold; and (e) repeating steps (a) and (b) in any order to form a 3D tissue culture model comprising the cells encapsulated in the hydrogel mold.