Biofabrication breakthroughs: Towards tailor-made hearts and cardiac tissues

Organ failure remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, posing a formidable challenge for healthcare systems. Conventional organ transplants are limited by the scarcity of donors and the risks associated with immune rejection. In response, 3D bioprinting has emerged as a revolutionary approach with the potential to fabricate tailor-made, patient-specific organs. Central to this technology is the use of bioinks-smart materials that ensure structural integrity, biocompatibility, and the functional performance of printed organs. This review delves into the latest advancements in 3D bioprinting, specifically targeting the heart and cardiac tissues, such as heart valves and entire hearts. It evaluates the capabilities of various bioprinting techniques in creating intricate tissue structures using patient-specific cells, while also addressing the potential for bioprinting to transform the landscape of organ transplantation. Furthermore, the review explores the essential properties of bioinks, the selection of cell sources, and the current progress in clinical trials and patents, offering insights into the future prospects and challenges of cardiac tissue bioprinting. This comprehensive assessment underscores the promise of bioprinting in overcoming the limitations of traditional transplants and advancing personalized medicine.