CHAPTER 6: Electrospinning and 3D Printing: Prospects for Market Opportunity

Over recent decades, many attempts have been made to produce biomimetic products with desired properties for bioengineering applications. Electrospinning has attracted widespread attention in tissue engineering because it can produce micro/nanoscale fibrous products to imitate natural ECM in a simple and low-cost way. Nevertheless, the inability of these methods to accurately control the three-dimensional (3D) structure has posed a major challenge in generating complex tissues. 3D bioprinting technology has developed as a potential solution by delivering extraordinary flexibility in placing cells and biotic materials in a well-organized mode in three dimensions. The application of 3D printing in medicine can offer many benefits, such as increased cooperation; cost efficiency; the personalization and specialization of medical constructs, tools, and drugs; the customization of design and fabrication and enhanced productivity. In this chapter, we review general principles, concepts, and the application of 3D bioprinting. We first discuss several general methods of bioprinting with an emphasis on hybrid systems, which involve both 3D printing and electrospinning and their relevant advantages and disadvantages. Lastly, we summarize the challenges surrounding the future improvement of bioprinting technologies and also some indications of potential markets.