3D Bioprinting Market

Market Overview

The global 3D bioprinting market size was valued at USD 1.5 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 6.33 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 15.5% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is used to combine cells, growth factors, and biomaterials to manufacture biomedical parts that mimic the natural properties of the tissue. 3D Bioprinting is a process where bio-ink — consisting of living cells — and biomaterials and structural scaffolds are deposited on the surface to produce 3D structures.

Biomimetic physical models of patient tissues can be built when used in combination with medical imaging modalities. 3D bioprinting typically uses the layer-by-layer process to deposit materials and create tissue-like structures that are later used in medical and tissue engineering fields. Bioprinting covers many biomaterials and can be used to print tissues and organs to test drugs. Moreover, 3D bioprinting is now able to print scaffolds, which can be used to reconstruct joints and ligaments. Rising incidence of chronic diseases, such as heart and kidney failures, increasing the geriatric population, and a limited number of organ donors prompt the need for effective 3D bioprinting. Technological advancement in the healthcare industry and growing investments in R&D activities provide an impetus to market growth.

Market Dynamics

Global 3D Bioprinting Market Drivers

Usage in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Increasing numbers of pharmaceutical firms are incorporating 3D bioprinting products and technologies into the drug discovery and development process. The 3D bioprinting method allows pharmaceutical companies to test drugs more safely and at a lower cost than conventional methods. The traditional drug discovery process takes between three and six years to complete, whereas the 3D bioprinting process allows companies to test a drug in a matter of hours. Using 3D bio-printed tissues also allows R&D teams to test new drugs during preclinical trials and early development stages. Benefits of 3D bioprinting include reduced animal testing, increased productivity, and a shortened drug discovery procedure.

Technological Developments

The 3D bioprinting market is projected to witness exponential growth on account of groundbreaking developments in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. 3D bioprinting is an active area of research composed of different biologically applied processing and assembly methods, including direct writing, photolithography, microstamping, extrusion, laser writing, stereolithography, electro-printing, microfluidics, and inkjet deposition. Additionally, several companies heavily invest in R&D activities to develop innovative products. Organovo, a scientific laboratory, and research firm, is at the forefront of 3D bioprinting. Recently, the Institute for Technology Inspired Regenerative Medicine collaborated with Aspect Biosystems, a Canadian company, to use 3D printing in regenerative medicine. Increasing demand for high-performance tissue models, and widespread use of regenerative therapies, such as transplantation and tissue generation, drive the market growth.

Global 3D Bioprinting Market Restraints

Shortage of Skilled Professionals

Bioprinting in three dimensions is an emerging field in the healthcare sector. Due to ongoing technological advancements, the field's demand for qualified professionals is growing. Continuous process monitoring is essential for the efficient use of 3D bioprinting technology. Due to uncontrolled process variables (such as the difference between batches and machines) and material differences, process consistency varies across platforms. These technologies and procedures necessitate the expertise of a trained professional who can comprehend and efficiently operate the 3D bioprinter. Designing a 3D-printed object is more difficult than the printing process itself. Similarly, 3D-printed models have intricate geometries that necessitate technical assistance for printing with a material that offers high shrinkage. Therefore, skilled professionals are required to perform these tasks in order to prevent printing errors and failure. In addition, the use of multiple technologies presents the 3D bioprinting industry with its greatest obstacle. This has increased the demand for highly skilled personnel to manage operations and troubleshoot issues during 3D bioprinting procedures.

Global 3D Bioprinting Market Opportunities

Potential Usage in Organ Transplant

3D bioprinting has promising opportunities in the medical field, as it enables doctors to replace broken bones and generate new organs for transplantation. It also enables the printing of prosthetic limbs that can be used to replace missing limbs in patients. In addition, the 3D bioprinting process allows for the quicker development of organs and tissues than the traditional method, which requires a donor and is also time-consuming. Due to the large disparity between the demand for organs and the number of donors, the waiting list for organ transplants grows every day. To address this issue, scientists are developing synthetic organs. However, the organs created by researchers are not yet suitable for transplantation in humans. These unmet market demands have stimulated research into creating 3D-printed transplant organs.

Regional Analysis

The market for 3D bioprinting is divided into four regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA.

North America dominates the 3D bioprinting market as the region is backed by prominent market players, robust healthcare infrastructure, and high disposable income. The U.S. and Canada are at the forefront of the 3D bioprinting market because of the extensive research activities conducted in the field. In October 2018, The U.S. FDA awarded a USD 2.5 million grant to the top five bio-manufacturing R&D centers, which include the Institute of Technology in Georgia, the University of Carnegie Mellon, Harvard University, the University of Rutgers,  and the Institute of Technology in Massachusetts. In March 2016, a U.S.-based pharmaceutical firm, Aprecia Pharmaceutical, became the first company in the world to obtain FDA approval for Spritam, a bio-printed 3D drug.

Asia-Pacific is projected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period because of the large target population seeking organ transplantation in India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Increasing awareness regarding 3D printing technology, rising foreign investment influx, and supportive government policies drive regional market growth. For instance, China launched 'Made in China 2025' to promote advanced technology in 3D printing. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China released a dedicated program for the industry's commercialization.

The European market is expected to show significant growth over the forecast period. Cosmetic companies extensively use 3D bioprinting for printing tissue and hair follicles, especially in Europe, where cosmetic animal testing has been prohibited since 2013. The growth of the 3D bioprinting market in Germany is expected to be rapid. The presence of new startup companies in Germany is increasing. Furthermore, key players such as Electro Optical Systems, EnvisionTEC, GeSiM, and 3D Systems, Inc are present, generating significant revenue, resulting in an increase in 3D Bioprinting production in the region.

The growing geriatric population, which is particularly susceptible to injuries, is anticipated to drive the LAMEA 3D Bioprinting market. In addition, an increase in the use of bioprinters in cosmetic surgery would propel the market for 3D bioprinting. However, a lack of skilled professionals who can operate high-tech versions of 3D bioprinting equipment and the high cost of equipment and materials will impede the market's growth in the coming years.

Segmental Analysis

Based on technology the market is segmented into magnetic levitation, inkjet-based, syringe-based, and laser-based.

The inkjet-based segment had the highest revenue share. It allows for the printing of complex living organs or tissues on culture substrates using biomaterials as bio-inks. The widespread use of inkjet-based printing in the medical field is fueling the segment's expansion. This paper discusses current research trends in inkjet printing as a bio-applicable technology, with a focus on tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. This segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period due to increased demand and higher reliability.

The magnetic levitation segment is projected to exhibit the fastest growth during the forecast period. The syringe-based segment, on the other hand, holds the largest market share. Increasing adoption of 3D bioprinting techniques by innovators drives segment growth. 3D magnetic levitation-based bio-printers have the capability to solve more than 80% of current failures with improved speed, functionality, and precision. These bio-printers are extensively used for printing vascular muscles, toxicity screening, and regeneration of human cells. For instance, BioAssay developed a tissue-like structure using magnetic levitation.

Based on application the market is segmented into medical, dental, biosensors, consumer/personal product testing, bio-inks, and food and animal products. 

The medical segment dominates the market share. The widespread use of medical pills to treat various chronic diseases propels the market for 3D bioprinting. Furthermore, the growing demand for medicines and the cost-effective application of bio-drugs using this technology are driving the segment. The demand for medical pills is increasing as the number of pharmaceutical industry participants grows. Millions of people around the world use capsules and pills on a regular basis. Therefore, this segment is expected to grow rapidly over the forecast period.

The tissue and organ generation sub-segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. 3D bioprinting is widely used to regenerate medicine to address the need for transplantable organs and tissues.

Recent Developments

• March 2021- CELLINK, the world's leading bio convergence company, introduced the BIO MDXTM Series, the next generation of bioprinters designed for high-throughput bio-fabrication and precision 3D bioprinting for biomedical manufacturing, such as biocompatible medical devices.
• November 2022- Indian technology startup Avay Biosciences has developed a 3D printer capable of printing human tissues. The prototype of the "Mito Plus" bioprinter was installed at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru. Mito Plus is the upgraded version of the Bio 3D printer developed with input from the IISc research lab on the prototype.