A bioink by any other name: terms, concepts and constructions related to 3D bioprinting

Recently, specialized applications of 3D printing have extended into the biological realm. As the field is so new, related activities are being approached from groups with disparate specialties and backgrounds. Therefore, few firm, unambiguous and universally understood definitions have been established. Many have local and connotative meanings, and most have both unique and overlapping aspects to their evolving applications. Also, questions arise regarding the distinction between some of the almost homonymous terms – and even such confusion as to the meaning of the prefix ‘bio’ in terms. For example, some may think the difference between 3D biomaterial printing and 3D printing is a biological nature and/or biocompatibility of materials in the printed object. While for others, the difference reflects a biomedical application of the object post-printing. Our intent is to introduce common usages of 3D bioprinting-related terms in the context.