Printing Cells.

INK-jet printers; THREE-dimensional imaging in biology; COMPUTER printers; CELLS; CELL communication; ORGANELLE formation; ARTIFICIAL organs; BIOTECHNOLOGISTS; PIEZOELECTRIC devices; EDUCATION

The article discusses the use of inkjet printing technology in studying cell interactions and artificial organs. A three-dimensional structures of cells held together in a tissue matrix gives advantage to material scientists and biotechnologists because they can study how cells interact and perhaps fabricate implantable organs. Inkjet printing is a promising method because it is simple and versatile and it avoids contact with the substrate. The two main types of inkjet printer include the thermal printers and piezoelectric printers. Inkjet printers for the low-cost consumer market can use either type of drive. Meanwhile, bacteria and yeast can be easily printed while animal cells vary in their ability to survive the process.