Advances in light-based 3D bioprinting

Abstract

Light-based bioprinting has rapidly expanded as versatile platforms to replicate the complex architectures of native tissues, by allowing spatio-temporal localization of biomaterials and cells. These approaches rely on bioresins composed of photo-crosslinkable polymers, photoinitiators, and, where appropriate, photoabsorbers. In this perspective, we summarize recent technological progress in light-based bioprinting, moving beyond mere structural complexity toward the creation of engineered constructs that recapitulate the native tissue function. We discuss the development of bioresins adapted from a long history of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research, with an emphasis on shifting the field from structural mimicry toward physiologically relevant biological function. We also highlight current limitations, including the constraints of bioprinting workflow, bioresin compositions, and the need to focus more on downstream cellular signaling and function, rather than just basic cytocompatibility. Finally, we suggest several considerations for next-generation bioresin and printing strategies better tailored for clinical translation, including improved control over cellular microenvironments and standardized, regulatory-accepted and reproducible formulations.