3D Printing in Biotechnology - Chapter 9: Sustainability potential of 3D printing in biotechnology

3D printing has emerged as a novel technique with unprecedented potential in fabricating products with complex structures made up of living cells or their components. In the past few years, technological innovations and advancements coupled with their industrial applications have promoted 3D printing for a better performance in manufacturing. Endeavoring for a sustainable future drives to open new directions to optimize the manufacturing process to make it cost-efficient with shortened supply chain, reduced energy consumption, and less waste generation. Thus, concomitantly with the rising popularity, serious attention needs to be given to the sustainability bar at environmental, economic, and social verticals of applications of 3D printing in the field of biotechnology, to offer a better technology option for future generations. The present chapter discusses the environmental, economic, and social sustainability potential of 3D printing in biotechnology to provide a comprehensive understanding of this novel technology.