The Science and Applications of 3D Bioprinting, CRC Press, ss.195-218, 2026
Incapacity of traditional two-dimensional in vitro cultures and animal models to accurately recreate the complex three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment and physiology of human organs significantly restrict drug screening, toxicity, and disease modeling. In this regard, organ-on-chip (OoC) technology has emerged as a revolutionary platform that bridges this gap by employing microfluidics to simulate significant aspects of human organ function. The integration of 3D bioprinting and OoC technology further enhances this potential by enabling precise, automated deposition of cells and biomaterials to form biomimetic, vascularized, and physiologically suitable tissue architectures with superior spatial control. This chapter investigates the confluence of 3D bioprinting and OoC systems in addition to manufacturing processes like vat photopolymerization, material extrusion, and material jetting, as well as the vital role of bioinks. Advanced methods are discussed for vascularization, the integration of neurological and immunological components, and the formation of dynamic microenvironments. The importance of automation, high-throughput manufacturing, and real-time sensor integration in standardizing these platforms for application in industrial and clinical settings is also covered. Significant uses in drug discovery, toxicity, cancer modeling, and personalized medicine demonstrate how bioprinted OoCs have the potential to revolutionize preclinical research. The chapter ends with a discussion of persistent problems and possible solutions, including ethical conundrums, uniform laws, and the potential for artificial intelligence to improve biofabrication processes. This partnership positions bioprinted OoC technology as a powerful tool to enhance predictive translational medicine and reduce reliance on traditional models.