3D bioprinting is the automated fabrication of multicellular tissue via spatially defined deposition of cells. The ability to spatially control deposition in the x, y and z axes allows for creation of tissue-specific patterns or compartments, with in vivo-like architecture that mimics key aspects of native biology.

Bioprinted human tissues are constructed from tiny building blocks of living cells that are lab-formed and designed to mimic key aspects of real-life human tissues. In essence, the technology builds functional tissue that enables data to be captured safely in controlled environments during trials. Testing can be conducted more cheaply and earlier with exVive3D™ bioprinted tissues. Getting this vital step closer to human trials without incurring the full expense allows more drugs to be tested with the same resources, and with greater confidence of success and FDA/authority approvals. Organovo is the organization based in San Diego, bringing exVive3D™ to market. The company offers human liver tissue to order – allowing pharmaceutical companies to test toxicology, gene/protein expression profiling, and other assessments essentially in vitro. In the future, Organovo plans to expand the bio printed range to enable safe drug testing with kidney, skin and even cancerous tissues. Organovo is open to partnerships with medical centers, academic institutions and commercial companies to create tissues for both in vitro and therapeutic uses, and is currently working with L’Oréal’s Technology Incubator to undertake further research in skin remodeling.

1. https://www.socialtech.org.uk/projects/exvive3d/

2. Organovo - https://organovo.com/technology-platform/

Sierra Briscoe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sierrabriscoe/