3D Printing in Cell Culture Systems and Medical Applications

Published

December 18, 2018

Author(s)

Max J. Lerman, Josephine Lembong, John Gillen, John P. Fisher

Abstract

3D printing serves an important role in various biomedical research applications, including but not limited to culture systems and implantable devices. In this review, we discuss recent development in the applications of 3D printing technologies for clinically motivated research, particularly focusing on acellular constructs. Developments include pharmaceutical delivery, bioreactor culture platforms, acellular scaffolds, imaging modalities, and organs-on-a chip systems. We aim to demonstrate the vast applications that the 3D printing techniques have tremendously improved, where clinical delivery or deliverables remain for the research. Emphasis is placed on technological developments not possible without 3D printing technologies: where traditional manufacturing approaches would be cumbersome to demonstrate research objectives. The clinical applications for 3D printing will certainly continue to grow, with ever increasing numbers of therapies becoming commercialized. The work discussed here holds promise for various applications in structural improvements, drug delivery, and physiology research.

Citation

Applied Physics Reviews

Pub Type

Journals

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DOI Link

Keywords

custom fabrication, 3D printing, organs-on-a chip, microenvironment, implant, scaffold, bioreactor

Citation

Lerman, M. , Lembong, J. , Gillen, J. and Fisher, J. (2018), 3D Printing in Cell Culture Systems and Medical Applications, Applied Physics Reviews, [online], https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5046087 (Accessed May 27, 2026)

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