In a study published in Advanced Science, a research team led by Prof. ZHAO Xiaoli from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and collaborators, reported a smartphone-controlled programmable handheld printer for in situ skin wounds dressing.

Bioprinting technology has shown significant advantages in tissue and organ repair, yet its clinical application faces several challenges. The complex intermediate steps from fabrication to implantation hinder real-time patient treatment. The mismatches between scaffolds and wound shapes happen frequently. Furthermore, the high costs and intricate procedures for bioprinting restrict its broader clinical use.

As a promising tool to overcome clinical translation barriers, in situ bioprinting technology prints bioinks directly onto wounds based on the specific characteristics of the injured area. In this study, researchers proposed a novel in situ printing concept that combines programmable control with handheld operation, and showcased a self-developed programmable handheld bioprinter. 

This device employs both mechanical and pneumatic drive modes, enabling the extrusion of bioinks with different viscosities. Controlled via a smartphone app, it allows for flexible adjustment of printed strip sizes. Besides, the bioprinter supports single or multiple bioinks and single or multiple layer structure printing as it has programmable capabilities and high precision. Equipped with a microchannel functional nozzle, it achieves gradient features and large-scale high-speed coating.

In both ex vivo and in vivo skin wound treatments, the bioprinter demonstrated excellent performance in large-area coverage and wound closure. 

The device achieves a harmonious balance between high-precision printing and operational flexibility. It is an innovative tool for tissue regeneration, and offers a solution for efficient and immediate medical intervention.