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

## TL;DR

This paper describes an affordable way to convert a 3D printer into a bioprinter for tissue engineering, using strategies to protect cells during printing.

## Contribution

A low-cost conversion of a stereolithography printer into a bioprinter with radical-scavenging strategies for cell viability.

## Key findings

- The converted printer can produce complex, perfusable architectures with high cell viability.
- The method uses cell-friendly photon absorption and radical scavenging to optimize bioinks.
- Instructions are provided for optimizing bioinks and printing conditions at low cost.

## Abstract

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.