Development of a Low-Cost and High-Resolution Stereolithography Bioprinting System

Researchers that require access to 3D biological constructs for tissue engineering face significant cost barriers when it comes to using light-based bioprinters. The bioprinters that are typically used are either commercial-grade expensive technology or modified DIY extrusion apparatuses. Despite the potential benefits of low-cost equipment, there are few examples of such equipment being used in the context of light-based bioprinters. Additionally, the high cost of bioinks, large volume consumption, and a lack of information on parameter selection for light-based bioprinting restrains the adoption of this technology. In this work, retrofitting a commercial light-based 3D printer is showcased to demonstrate that it is possible to adapt this technology to build low-cost and high-resolution 3D bioprinters. To prove the capacities of this equipment, several manufacturability and biological tests are performed with a worldwide used bioink, Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMa). A set of experiments performed in two different equipment (Anycubic Photon Mono 2K and 4K) is documented. Moreover, in this work it is showcased the use of C2C12 and Alpha TC1 Clone 6 cells to create muscular fibers and a mini pancreas model, respectively. Actin-Dapi and Live-Dead fluorescence assays at different days of culture show positive results for biocompatibility of the process. This work demonstrate that the presented low-cost retrofitting has great potential to be used as a 3D bioprinting system

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7475-8138