What are the main challenges in organ printing technology?
We identify 12 milestones in our roadmap for kidney bioprinting. We already accomplished 4 milestones and are working on the fifth. The main challenge is of course finding clinically relevant cell source. The second important challenge is designing a kidney “blueprint” using computer-aided design. We are still working on increasing diversity, optimization and standardization of “bioink” or self-assembling tissue spheroids. Finding optimal hydrogels for bioprinting is also work in progress. Vascularization and maintenance of viability of the printed construct is a real big challenge. Another challenging part in post-processing is transformation of the printed tissue construct into the living human organ, so-called “accelerated tissue maturation”. Finally, sustainable funding for this project is another challenge. The management of a multidisciplinary team is also not a simple thing. But as one friend told me: “Vladimir, do not worry. It is only upper part of iceberg…’” Thus, we are expe
