AnyBio – An easy off-the-shelf masked stereolithography bioprinter conversion combined with radical-scavenging strategies

Over the last two decades 3D bioprinting has gained momentum to fabricate tissue mimicking constructs serving as tissue models, animal-free drug screening platforms and tissue replacements for regenerative medicine. Recently, the focus has shifted towards the development of light-based bioprinting methods due to its high accuracy and absence of nozzle-induced shear stress on printed cells. However, light-based bioprinting equipment can be costly and photo-sensitive materials difficult to optimize. In this work, we present the conversion of a masked stereolithography printer into a heated, humidified, and easily sterilizable bioprinter, with minimal financial investment (<350 € including purchase of the printer). We provide instructions on how to optimize bioinks and printing conditions and explore novel bioresin additives utilizing cell-friendly photon absorption and radical scavenging strategies. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate the compatibility of our method for the ability of our printer to produce complex and perfusable architectures as well as successful cell printing with high post-printing viability. With this we aim to contribute to accessibility of both hardware and protocols to easily implement bioprinting with minimal barriers.