3D bioprinting: A powerful tool to leverage tissue engineering and microbial systems

Bioprinting covers the precise deposition of cells, biological scaffolds and growth factors to produce desired tissue models. The main focus of bioprinting is the creation of functional three-dimensional (3D) biomimetic composites for various application areas. Successful creations of model tissues depend on certain parameters such as determination of optimum microenvironment conditions, selection of appropriate scaffold, and cell source. As the cell culture-based assays have vital roles in the biomedical field, bioprinted tissue analogs would provide unprecedented chances to study, screen, and treat diseases. Today's 3D bioprinting technology is able to print cells and scaffolds simultaneously, which provides the opportunity for disease modeling. This paper presents a general overview of the current state of the art in bioprinting technologies and potential 3D cell culture systems now being developed to model microbial infections, host-pathogen interactions, niches for microbiota, biofilm formation, and assess microbial resistance to antibiotics. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.