text: The bioprinting of biofilms utilizes the same methods as other bioprinting. Oftentimes, the biofilm begins with an extrusion of a polysaccharide to provide structure for biofilm growth. An example of one of these polysaccharides is alginate. The alginate structure can have microbes embedded within the structure. Hydrogels can also be used to assist in the formation of functional biofilms. Biofilms are difficult to analyze in a laboratory setting due to the complex structure and the time it takes for a functional biofilm to form. 3D bioprinting biofilms allows us to skip certain processes and makes it easier to analyze functional biofilms. Thickness of the biofilm being printed with change the functionality due to nutrient and oxygen diffusion. Thicker 3D printed biofilms will naturally select for anaerobes for example.
  Biofilms are capable of remediation in the natural environment which suggests there is potential in regards to the use of 3D bioprinted biofilm use in environmental remediation. Microbes are able to degrade a large range of chemicals and metals and providing a structure for these microbes to flourish such as in biofilm structures is beneficial. Artificial biofilms protect the microbes from the dangers of the environment while promoting signaling and overall microbial interactions. 3D bioprinting allows functional microorganisms to be placed in structures that provide mechanical stability and protects them from environmental conditions. The larger contact area provided by 3D printed structures compared to normal environmental structures provides more efficient removal of pollutants.