  As one of the three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting techniques with great
application potential, laser-induced-forward-transfer (LIFT) based laser
assisted bioprinting (LAB) transfers the bioink through a developed jet flow,
and the printing quality highly depends on the stability of jet flow regime. To
understand the connection between the jet flow and printing outcomes, a
Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model was developed for the first time to
accurately describe the jet flow regime and provide a guidance for optimal
printing process planning. By adopting the printing parameters recommended by
the CFD model, the printing quality was greatly improved by forming stable jet
regime and organized printing patterns on the substrate, and the size of
printed droplet can also be accurately predicted through a static equilibrium
model. The ultimate goal of this research is to direct the LIFT-based LAB
process and eventually improve the quality of bioprinting.
