Optimizing Three-Dimensional Bioprinting for Cell Culture Scaffolds

In order to increase the success rates of leukemia treatments and prevent relapse and mortality, a greater understanding of cell interactions within the bone marrow is required. Studying the malignant cells in vivo is difficult and invasive. 3D bioprinting offers a solution for mimicking the internal structure of trabecular bone in vitro . While several bioprinters are now commercially available, there is no clear protocol or bioink formulation that enables the relevant materials, structure, and cell culture conditions needed for printing trabecular bone. Our research focused on evaluating a Cellink BioX printer in order to print custom scaffolds for 3D cell culture to be utilized in an environment that mimics the physiological conditions of trabecular bone. By adjusting the printer settings such as speed and nozzle diameter, as well as the type of ink used, the print conditions were optimized to produce scaffolds that had porosity and structure within the range of real human trabecular bone.