A simple solution to imaging of bioprinted constructs

Efficient development of printable inks for extrusion-based 3D bioprinting is a major issue in biofabrication. Commonly used inks are often comprised of polymer solutions that form hydrogels under the addition of water and additives such as crosslinkers. Once an extrudable ink is identified, the printing parameters must be optimized for each inks’ specific composition. An important method for the assessment of printability is imaging of printed samples. Here we introduce and discuss an easy-to-use printable device for the imaging of bioprinted samples. The use of the device was demonstrated by printing and imaging inks with different compositions. The obtained images were compared to those of a stereomicroscope traditionally used for the imaging and evaluation of bioprinted constructs. When compared, it was found that the new imaging device produced results that were of comparative, if not better quality than the stereomicroscope, while costing less than $50 (mobile device for imaging not included), as well as showing increased convenience due to its smaller size, portability, and customisation capabilities. We propose that this new device can be used for benchtop evaluation of bioprinted constructs as well as in the scope of teaching of biofabrication classes.