3D-printed ceramic ink can print bone with living cells

A novel, ceramic-based ink has been used to print bone-like structures that harden within minutes of being placed in water. A major challenge when constructing biomimetic bone structures is how the intricate environment in which bone naturally forms can be replicated. While 3D-printed bone structures are not a new idea, a team of researchers at UNSW (Sydney, Australia) have pushed this concept further with material that can be created at room temperature with living cells and without the use of harsh chemicals or radiation. The new technique, called ceramic omnidirectional bioprinting in cell-suspensions, uses a calcium phosphate ink and allows...