3D bioprinting for human-relevant toxicology: Advanced organ models and translational strategies

Traditional toxicological testing, which relies on animal models and 2D cell cultures, encounters challenges in accurately predicting human-specific responses owing to interspecies variability and the oversimplified nature of in vitro systems. Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has emerged as a transformative approach, facilitating the fabrication of physiologically relevant tissue constructs with precise spatial control over cellular and extracellular matrix components. This review critically examines recent advancements in 3D-bioprinted organ models, such as those of the liver, kidney, and lung, for toxicological assessments, including their applications in drug safety evaluation, environmental pollutant screening, and nanomaterial risk assessment. We further analyze persistent technical barriers concerning resolution limitations, material biocompatibility, and the simulation of multi-organ interactions. Finally, we propose integrative strategies that combine organ-on-a-chip platforms, artificial intelligence-driven design, and standardized validation protocols, aiming to accelerate the translational potential of bioprinted models in regulatory toxicology.