Hybrid DIW-SLA Tissue Printing System with a Multi-Material Microfluidic Nozzle Printhead

Synthetic tissue fabrication requires advanced methods to mimic biological complexity. Hybrid 3D printing integrating direct ink writing (DIW) and stereolithography (SLA VPP) struggles with efficient multi-material deposition. Current approaches face limitations in switching mechanisms and nozzle design. We present an integrated DIW-SLA platform with a novel microfluidic nozzle featuring in-chip microvalves for rapid material switching. Employing controlled photocuring between layers, the system enables robust multi-material printing. We demonstrate its capability by fabricating stable hydrogel (PEGDA) patches with good interlayer adhesion, achieving line thicknesses of approximately 688 μm from 200 μm nozzles. This platform enhances multi-material control in hybrid bioprinting, offering a pathway towards constructing more sophisticated synthetic tissues.