OBJECTIVE: To explore the three dimensional(3D)bioprinting technology, using 
human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) mixture as bioink and to lay initial foundations 
for the application of the 3D bioprinting technology in tooth regeneration.
METHODS: Imageware 11.0 computer software was used to aid the design of the 3D 
biological printing blueprint. Sodium alginate-gelatin hydrosol was prepared and 
mixed with in vitro isolated hDPCs. The mixture contained 20 g/L sodium alginate 
and 80 g/L gelatin with cell density of 1×10(6)/mL. The bioprinting of hDPCs 
mixture was carried out according to certain parameters; the 3D constructs 
obtained by printing were examined; the viability of hDPCs after printing by 
staining the constructs with calcein-AM and propidium iodide dye and scanning of 
laser scanning confocal microscope was evaluated. The in vitro constructs 
obtained by the bioprinting were cultured, and the proliferation of hDPCs in the 
constructs detected.
RESULTS: By using Imageware 11.0 software, the 3D constructs with the grid 
structure composed of the accumulation of staggered cylindrical microfilament 
layers were obtained. According to certain parameters, the hDPCs-sodium 
alginate-gelatin blends were printed by the 3D bioprinting technology. The 
self-defined shape and dimension of 3D constructs with the cell survival rate of 
87%± 2% were constructed. The hDPCs could proliferate in 3D constructs after 
printing.
CONCLUSION: In this study, the 3D bioprinting of hDPCs mixtures was realized, 
thus laying initial foundations for the application of the 3D bioprinting 
technology in tooth regeneration.