Advancements, challenges and future of 3D Bioprinting – Interview with Tomi Kalpio from Brinter

Finland-based Brinter AM Technologies, part of the Brinter Group, specializes in additive manufacturing solutions for the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Leveraging advanced 3D bioprinting technologies, it addresses the complex challenges faced by these sectors, offering innovative and efficient solutions for both research and clinical applications. In an interview with 3Druck.com, Brinter co-founder Tomi Kalpio provides valuable insights into the evolving 3D bioprinting industry.

The company’s strength lies in its interdisciplinary team of visionary entrepreneurs, leading engineers and scientists, backed by a global network of partners. Brinter AM Technologies is dedicated to developing, patenting, and commercializing advanced 3D printing technologies, ensuring its clients have access to highly specialized manufacturing capabilities. These technologies are designed to meet the stringent demands of industries that require precision, such as drug development, tissue engineering, and personalized medicine.

One of the company’s core offerings is its ability to manufacture bioprinting solutions that allow for the production of complex, customized biological structures. This capability is particularly valuable for research in drug testing and regenerative medicine, where accuracy and customization are critical. Brinter’s modular approach to 3D printing enables the development of tailored solutions for a variety of applications, making it a versatile choice for both academic and commercial users.

Interview with Tomi Kalpio

In an interview with 3Druck.com, Tomi Kalpio, co-founder of Brinter and CEO of Brinter AM Technologies, discusses how 3D bioprinting is driving advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine by enabling the precise creation of complex tissue structures. He highlights the potential for bioprinting in personalized medicine, organ transplantation and drug testing, while also addressing key challenges such as biocompatibility and safety in the development of bioprintable materials.

In your opinion, how is 3D bioprinting technology contributing to advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine?

3D bioprinting is advancing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine by enabling the precise creation of complex, tissue-like structures. Precision and speed are key aspects that are rapidly developing by combining different additive manufacturing methods into one platform. This allows the fabrication of customized tissue grafts, even using a patient’s own cells, improving both personalized treatments and medicines. The same technology platforms are also improving drug testing with accurate, human-like tissue models, aiding faster development. In addition, bioprinting supports the regeneration of damaged tissues, such as cartilage and skin, and the development of functional organoids for disease research. There is also great potential in both hard and soft tissue engineering for human spare parts (from implants to bioimplants to organs).

What are the key challenges in developing biocompatible materials for 3D printing of human tissue?

I think we have many challenges to overcome, but I would say the most critical are biocompatibility and safety, mechanical properties and vascularization support.

Additive manufacturing has developed continuously over the last few years. Which innovations or technological breakthroughs do you consider to be particularly important for the medical sector?

One of the most important innovations in additive manufacturing for the medical sector is the approval of new related concepts and processes by regulatory bodies such as the MDR and FDA for the production of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and food products.

How do you see advances in bioprinting technology impacting the future of personalised medicine and organ transplantation?

Advances in bioprinting technology are set to revolutionize personalized medicine and organ transplantation. Bioprinting enables patient-specific tissue grafts and implants, reducing immune rejection and enhancing integration. It also enables the development of functional organoids for disease modelling and individualized drug testing, improving the precision of treatment. The technology could also reduce reliance on organ donors by fabricating complex organs to address organ shortages. On-demand and point-of-care bioprinting could streamline transplant logistics, while integration with genomics could enable highly personalized therapies. Bioprinted tissue models can also accelerate drug development and testing, increasing the effectiveness of personalized treatments.

Find more information on Brinter AM Technologies here.