In this work we present a bioprinting technique that exploits the 
electrohydrodynamic process to obtain a jet of liquid alginate beads containing 
cells. A printer is used to microfabricate hydrogels block by block following a 
bottom-up approach. Alginate beads constitute the building blocks of the 
microfabricated structures. The beads are placed at predefined position on a 
target substrate made of calcium-enriched gelatin, where they crosslink upon 
contact without the need of further postprocessing. The printed sample can be 
easily removed from the substrate at physiological temperature. 
Three-dimensional printing is accomplished by the deposition of multiple layers 
of hydrogel. We have investigated the parameters influencing the process, the 
compatibility of the printing procedure with cells, and their survival after 
printing.