Bioprinting · Extrusion · 2024 · Machines (MDPI)
Extrusion-Based Bioprinting in a Cost-Effective Bioprinter
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has emerged as a revolutionary approach in the life sciences, combining multiple disciplines such as computer engineering, materials science, robotics, and biomedical engineering. This innovative technology enables the production of cellular constructs using bio-inks, and differs from conventional 3D printing by incorporating living cells.
Performance the paper reports
1 of 5- Motion1 µmMotion accuracy: reported
- Volume—Volumetric accuracy: not reported
- Viability—Cell viability: not reported
- Unattended—Unattended operation: not reported
- Standard—Standard compliance: not reported
- Motion / positional accuracy1 µm
It is also worth noting that, at a measurement precision of 1 µm when using the dial indicator, even the roughness of the contacting surface with the probe can have a profound effect on the measured values of repeatability since the contact
How hard this is to adopt
3.1 of 5, higher is easierEach score is shown against the range the other 59 builds actually occupy, because no criterion uses the full 1–5 scale. These describe how reproducible the build is, not how good the science is.
Resolution
3/1–5Quantitative handling accuracy reported, but minimum volume unclear.
Throughput
3/2–5Throughput not explicit; assigned moderate default.
Parts sourcing
2/2–4Requires specialized or custom-built components.
Skill needed
4/2–4Build/operation described as low-skill or basic assembly.
Facilities needed
3/2–4Requires accessible but nontrivial lab/maker equipment.
Documentation
3/2–5Some open documentation or files are available.
Validation effort
4/2–4Validation includes standards, benchmarking, replicates, or multi-condition tests.
Cycle time
not scoredNo clear speed comparison found
2 further criteria are recorded but not shown
- Application Level — scored 4 (75% of records share one value), so it cannot separate one build from another.
- Build Time (scored for only 6 of 60 records), so it cannot separate one build from another.
Both remain in the published dataset.
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Report what it took, including attempts that stalled. A failed build tells the next laboratory what the documentation leaves out.
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Record metadata
Publication data
Matched by title · retrieved 2026-07-21
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has emerged as a revolutionary approach in the life sciences, combining multiple disciplines such as computer engineering, materials science, robotics, and biomedical engineering. This innovative technology enables the production of cellular constructs using bio-inks, and differs from conventional 3D printing by incorporating living cells. The present work addresses the conversion of a commercial thermoplastic 3D printer into a low-cost bioprinter. The modification addresses the challenges of the high cost of commercial bioprinters, limited adaptability, and specialized personnel requirements. This modification uses an extrusion-based bioprinting method that is particularly popular in research due to its viscosity tolerance and versatility. The individual steps, including replacing the extruder with a syringe pump, rebuilding the electronic motherboard, and configuring the firmware, are explained in detail. The work aims at providing access to bioprinting technology so that laboratories with modest resources can take advantage of the immense potential of this technology. This modification resulted in improved resolution, allowing submicron movements, which is comparable to some of the commercially available bioprinters. The accuracy of the modified printer was validated using hydrogel bioprinting tests, suggesting that it is suitable for broader applications in regenerative medicine.
Bibliographic details
Access and metrics
Topics and keywords
Perspective and practical signals
Why it matters
Potential additional low-cost design reference; needs verification for open files.
Limitations
No limitation note curated yet.