Advances in light-based 3D bioprinting.
Journal Article
Overview
abstract
Light-based bioprinting has rapidly expanded as versatile platforms to replicate the complex architectures of native tissues, by allowing spatio-temporal localisation of biomaterials and cells. These approaches rely on bioresins composed of photocrosslinkable polymers, photoinitiators, and, where appropriate, photoabsorbers. In this perspective, we summarise recent technological progress in light-based bioprinting, moving beyond mere structural complexity toward the creation of engineered constructs that recapitulate the native tissue function. We discuss the development of bioresins adapted from a long history of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research, with an emphasis on shifting the field from structural mimicry toward physiologically relevant biological function. We also highlight current limitations, including the constraints of bioprinting workflow, bioresin compositions, and the need to focus more on downstream cellular signalling and function, rather than just basic cytocompatibility. Finally, we suggest several considerations for next-generation bioresin and printing strategies better tailored for clinical translation, including improved control over cellular microenvironments and standardized, regulatory-accepted and reproducible formulations.
