Tissue-specific engineering: 3D bioprinting in regenerative medicine

Despite its complexity, the human body is composed of only four basic tissue types, namely epithelial, connective, muscular and nervous tissues. Notably, each tissue is an assemblage of similarly functional cells united in performing a specific function. Instead of mimicking functionality mechanically, three-dimensional (3D) bio-printing based on histological categories is a strategy designed with multiple materials and techniques, which is a versatile technology able to form functional organ structures in line with simplicity. This review aims to provide an overview of tissue-specific 3D bioprinting based on the biological characteristics of four tissue types, including the histological features, biomaterials and corresponding applications. It first briefly introduces the goals of tissue-specific bioprinting and then summarizes the major techniques and identification of particular material development. Moreover, its remarkable regenerative power in replacement therapy and novel outbreak in particular tissues are assembled by epithelial, connective, nerve and muscle tissues. Finally, we discuss challenges and future prospects of tissue-specific based 3D bioprinting in biomedicine, hoping to further inspire the development.