Systems engineering challenges in inkjet biofabrication

Inkjet biofabrication describes the application of "bioink" via an inkjet printing mechanism in order to build two- and three-dimensional tissue constructs for medical treatment. The bioinks may include active compounds such as drugs and living cells as well as non active, scaffolding materials. The technology faces several limitations that present interesting sensing, actuation, and control problems. The nature and scope of these problems is discussed.