FIGURE 5.

Schematic representation of the strategies applied in bioprinting: direct bioprinting, and assisted bioprinting (using a sacrificial matrix and a sacrificial ink). Direct bioprinting is a straightforward and intuitive approach where the ink is deposited in air to build the desired scaffold. In situ crosslinking is required to retain the shape of the construct, and even though the post-printing process is not always needed, it can be used to fine tune the properties of the printed structure. Assisted bioprinting strategies on the other hand take advantage of sacrificial materials to aid during the printing process, allowing for longer crosslinking times. Those sacrificial materials need to be removed after printing to obtain the desired structure.