Journal of Zhejiang University

Bio-Design and Manufacturing 2026 Vol.9 No.3 P.465 - 500

Tomographic volumetric bioprinting: from bioink design to resolution enhancement

Author(s): Qilin Wu,Chaofan He,Tianhong Qiao,Yuewei Chen,Hongyao Shen,Yong He
Affiliation(s): 1. State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems & Liangzhu Laboratory, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China more
Corresponding email(s): ywchen3@gzu.edu.cn, ywchen3@gzu.edu.cn, ywchen3@gzu.edu.cn
Key Words: Volumetric printing, 3D printing, Bioprinting, Bioinks, Printing resolution

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Qilin Wu. Tomographic volumetric bioprinting: from bioink design to resolution enhancement[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University Science D, 2026, 9(3): 465 - 500.

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publisher="Zhejiang University Press & Springer",
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Abstract
Chinese Summary
Academic Network
Reviewer Comment

Abstract: Tomographic volumetric bioprinting (TVBP) is an emerging transformative technology in bio-manufacturing, distinguished by two exceptional capabilities: ultrafast fabrication (centimeter-scale constructs within tens of seconds) and unique compatibility with ultra-soft bioinks (<102Pa). Despite its potential, TVBP remains in its infancy because of significant hurdles. These include the need to adapt conventional photocurable bioinks to TVBP’s unique photopolymerization requirements and achieve sufficient resolution to replicate intricate multicellular structures. Therefore, this review outlines strategies to address these challenges, delving into (1) the development of suitable bioinks, (2) printing resolution optimization, and (3) rapid construction of complex biological structures and functions. Furthermore, the fundamental principles and evolution of projection slicing algorithms are explored, and the latest advancements in TVBP applications are summarized. Finally, we explore the future trajectory of this promising bio-manufacturing technology.The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.

Tomographic volumetric bioprinting: from bioink design to resolution enhancement

断层体积生物打印 (TVBP) 是生物制造领域的一项新兴变革性技术, 其具有两项卓越的能力: 超快速制造 (在数十秒内完成厘米尺度结构的构建) 和与超软生物墨水的独特兼容性 (<102Pa)。尽管具有这些潜力, TVBP 仍处于起步阶段, 但仍面临重大阻碍, 包括需要使传统的光固化生物墨水适应 TVBP 独特的光聚合要求, 并实现足够的分辨率来复刻复杂的多细胞结构。因此, 本文概述了应对这些挑战的策略, 包括 (1) 开发合适的生物墨水; (2) 优化打印分辨率; (3) 快速构建复杂的生物结构和功能。此外, 本文还探讨了投影切片算法的基本原理和发展过程, 总结了 TVBP 的最新应用进展。最后, 我们探讨了这一极具前景的生物制造技术的未来发展轨迹。
Volumetric printing; 3D printing; Bioprinting; Bioinks; Printing resolution