Table 2.

Bioprinting methods.

Bioprinting method	Inkjet 3D bioprinting	Microextrusion 3D bioprinting	Laser-assisted 3D bioprinting (LAD)	Stereolithography (SLA)
Description	Thermal, piezoelectric, or electromagnetic forces expel successive drops of bioink onto a substrate	Mechanical or pneumatic forces dispense bioink through a nozzle	Bioink and cells are suspended on the bottom of a ribbon and when vaporized by a laser pulse, are propelled to a receiving substrate	Use digital light to cure bioink in a layer by layer fashion
Advantages	High speed, availability, low cost	Ability to use high viscosity bioink and print high cell density	High degree of precision and resolution, ability to use high viscosity bioink and print high cell density	High degree of fabrication accuracy, and low printing time
Disadvantages	Lack of precision in droplet placement and size, need for low viscosity bioink	Distortion of cell structure	Time consuming, high cost	Use of high intensity UV light, lengthy post-processing, lack of compatible materials
Effect on cells	>85% cell viability1	As low as 40% viability1	>95% cell viability1	>90% cell viability2
Cost	Low	Medium	High	Medium