Volumetric

Volumetric Biotechnologies is a bioprinting company focused on developing technologies for the fabrication of vascularized human tissues and bioprinted constructs. The company was founded as a spin-out from Rice University's Department of Bioengineering and utilizes volumetric bioprinting, a technique that allows for the rapid 3D printing of centimeter-scale cell-laden constructs within seconds.

Volumetric Biotechnologies' core technology involves the use of tomographic light projections to induce crosslinking of photoresponsive cell-laden bioresins with high spatial precision. This nozzle-free approach enables the simultaneous printing of entire 3D structures, offering advantages over traditional layer-by-layer bioprinting methods in terms of speed and cell viability.

The company has optimized various bioink formulations, such as gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels, to achieve high printing resolution, mechanical stability, and cell compatibility. Volumetric Biotechnologies' bioprinted constructs have been demonstrated to support the growth and differentiation of various cell types, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial cells, into functional tissues.

In collaboration with researchers, Volumetric Biotechnologies has developed bioprinted models for applications in regenerative medicine, drug development, and disease modeling. These include bioprinted bone-like tissues, vascularized constructs, and organ-on-a-chip platforms. The company has also explored the combination of volumetric bioprinting with other techniques, such as melt electrowriting, to create stronger and more durable structures like functional blood vessels.

As of October 2022, Volumetric Biotechnologies was acquired by 3D Systems, a leading additive manufacturing company. The acquisition aimed to establish a world-class bioprinting facility in Houston, Texas, to accelerate the development and commercialization of Volumetric Biotechnologies' technologies in the rapidly emerging bioprinting field.