Advances in Microfluidic Bioprinting for Multi-Material Multi-Cellular Tissue Constructs

作者：Rashik Chand, Ken‐ichiro Kamei, Sanjairaj Vijayavenkataraman · 发表于：Cell Therapy & Engineering Connect · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.69709/cellengc.2024.111335 · 被引用次数：11 · 研究领域：3D Printing in Biomedical Research、Innovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques Innovation、Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies

3D bioprinting enables fabrication of cell-laden bioinks into complex, biomimetic tissues. However, achieving the spatial and functional heterogeneity of native tissues still poses significant challenges. Microfluidics has emerged as a complementary technology, offering precise control over material flow, mixing, and deposition at the microscale. This review highlights the integration of microfluidics with 3D bioprinting, with a particular focus on the development of advanced “printhead-on-a-chip” systems that enable real-time material switching, gradient formation, and enhanced resolution among other functionalities. Innovations across extrusion, coaxial, droplet-based, light-based, and voxel-based bioprinting modalities are explored, showcasing the transformative potential of microfluidics in creating multifunctional and heterogeneous tissue architectures. Applications in tissue heterogeneity, vascularization, tumor microenvironments, microfiber cellular technology, and organ-on-a-chip systems are discussed, underscoring microfluidics’ role in advancing tissue engineering, disease modeling, and drug discovery. Future directions outline the need for scalability, standardization, and simplified workflows that enhance accessibility for broader adoption of microfluidic bioprinting.