NSF Engines: Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine

Bioinks

What is Bioink? 

Bioinks are specialized materials that combine living cells with biomaterials, forming a printable substance used in 3D bioprinting. These bioinks allow scientists to create complex, lifelike tissue structures layer by layer. The biomaterials within the ink provide structural support, while the cells replicate and integrate to form functioning tissues. Different types of bioinks can be tailored to mimic specific tissues, such as skin, cartilage, or bone, making them a vital component in advancing regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Innovations in Progress: 

  • Developing bioinks that can adapt to different printing techniques. 
  • Creating easy-to-use bioink kits for scientists. 

Key Milestones: 

  • Built four types of bioinks to match different printing methods. 
  • Designed bioink kits for quicker experiments and testing. 

Impact

Bioinks are crucial for 3D printing tissues, allowing for the creation of custom body parts on demand.