Piezoelectric 3D bioprinting for ophthalmological applications: process development and viability analysis of the technology

Piezoelectric inkjet 3D bioprinting technology is a viable technique for ophthalmological applications. It provides versatility, high sensibility and accuracy, required in ophthalmological procedures. A process flow for biofabrication was described in detail and validated, using piezoelectric inkjet technology, for ophthalmological applications, in vitro and in situ, based on complex images. Ophthalmological problems were documented by diagnostic examinations and were fed to the flow as complex images. The Concept Mapping methodology and the Conceptual Design approach were utilized to elaborate the 3D bioprinting process flow. It was developed a bioink with corneal epithelial cells. To simulate an in situ bioprinting process, eyes of pigs were selected as the substrate to print the cells. Print scripts used the digitally treated images. In order to print on predefined locations, alignment devices and sample holders were built. The proposed process flow has shown to be a potential tool for the biofabrication of ophthalmological solutions.