Starting September 1, the first state standard (GOST) for bioprinting of tissues and organs (a method of creating material using a special 3D printer) will come into force in Russia. The document has been approved by Rosstandart.
The GOST defines three-dimensional bioprinting as the creation of organs and tissues needed to restore lost functions. For 3D printing, bioinks based on cells of animal, plant, marine, microbiological, and human origin can be used. For example, polysaccharides, proteins, cell suspensions.
Types of bioprinting:
- inkjet
- laser
- cellular spheroids (spheroids with a diameter of 200–300 µm are used as “building blocks”)
- robotic (a robotic manipulator scans the damaged area and layer-by-layer applies bioinks made of living cells and hydrogel)
The emergence of a state standard opens up opportunities for scientists to transition from laboratory research in bioprinting to industrial implementation of the technology and the entry of domestic biomedical products into the international market.
Many universities in the country are engaged in developments in this area, including BSMU, NUST MISIS. Fundamental research in this direction is carried out at Sechenov University and on the Russian segment of the ISS.