Organ printing: from bioprinter to organ biofabrication line

Organ printing, or the layer by layer additive robotic biofabrication of functional three-dimensional tissue and organ constructs using self-assembling tissue spheroid building blocks, is a rapidly emerging technology that promises to transform tissue engineering into a commercially successful biomedical industry. It is increasingly obvious that similar well-established industries implement automated robotic systems on the path to commercial translation and economic success. The use of robotic bioprinters alone however is not sufficient for the development of large industrial scale organ biofabrication. The design and development of a fully integrated organ biofabrication line is imperative for the commercial translation of organ printing technology. This paper presents recent progress and challenges in the development of the essential components of an organ biofabrication line.

► Organ printing is rapidly emerging transforming robotic biofabrication technology in tissue engineering. ► It is becoming obvious that only one robotic bioprinter is not enough to bioprint complex human organs. ► Organ biofabrication line must include cell sorter, cell differentiator, robotic tissue spheroids biofabricator, robotic bioprinter and bioreactor. ► Development of fully integrated organ biofabrication line is essential for successful commercialization of organ printing technology. ► Presented organ biofabrication line is a laboratory prototype of future human organ biofabrication plant.