• CN: 11-2187/TH
  • ISSN: 0577-6686

Journal of Mechanical Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 62 ›› Issue (3): 46-69.doi: 10.3901/JME.260070

Previous Articles    

Projection-enabled 3D Bioprinting: Principles, Challenges, and Strategies

HE Chaofan1,2, WU Qilin1,2, QIAO Tianhong1,2, SUN Yuan1,2, GAO Qing3, WANG Peng3, MA Liang1, YIN Jun1, YANG Huayong1, HE Yong1,2   

  1. 1. State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027;
    2. Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing Technology and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027;
    3. Suzhou Yongqinquan Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd., Suzhou 215100
  • Revised:2025-05-23 Accepted:2025-10-31 Published:2026-03-25
  • Supported by:
    国家重点研发计划(2024YFB4607700),国家自然科学基金重点(52235007)、国家自然科学基金创新研究群体(T2121004)、国家自然科学基金杰出青年基金(52325504)、国家卫生健康委员会科研基金—浙江省卫生健康重大科技计划(WKJ-ZJ-2507)和浙江大学李达三·叶耀珍再生医学发展基金资助项目。

Abstract: Projection-based 3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology grounded in the principle of photopolymerization. It employs a spatial light modulator to generate a dynamic mask and projects a bitmap image onto the surface of photosensitive materials to achieve curing and forming. Projection techniques can be categorized into two types: surface projection and volumetric projection. Among the various 3D printing technologies, surface projection offers the highest resolution/time to manufacturing ratio, while volumetric projection boasts printing speeds that far surpass those of traditional printing methods. Consequently, projection-enabled 3D printing is regarded as a highly promising technological approach. However, when applied to bioprinting—specifically with the use of cell-laden bioinks—its printability, resolution, and ink requirements undergo significant changes, presenting a range of challenges. This review systematically summarizes technical principles and primary challenges of projection-enabled 3D bioprinting, analyzes recent advancements in techniques and applications, and proposes practical optimization strategies tailored to the demands of biomedical applications. It aims to provide valuable insights and references for research and development in this field.

Key words: 3D printing, biofabrication, light-based 3D printing, bioink, volumetric printing

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