Cells 1 Stem cells from the patient are put in a growth medium so they can multiply. When sufficient cells are available they are put in to bioprinter cartridges. re F 2 The stem cells form what can be terrned a ‘bioink’ which, once loaded into cartridges, can be used in the bioprinting process. A cartridge is made from a chamber attached to a long extrusion nozzle fitted with a syringe. Bi Figure 11.22 Bioprinting Lt 3 The bioprinter is driven by software that lays down the stem cells in precise patterns. Cells can be put down in layers interspersed with a water-based material called hydrogel, which forms a temporary mould around the cells. Sticky polymers can also be used to form a scaffold for cells (see Figure 11.23). The scaffolding material is laid down by separate nozzles on the bioprinter. Ss 4The printed 5 The printed tissue can tissueisleftto be used in transplants or grow. in medical research