Search

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) bio-printing provides a new way to solve the problem of organ donor scarcity in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the development trend of global 3D bio-printing technology, technology research and development hotspot, regional layout and cooperation trend, and main innovation subjects based on patent information. METHODS: Using Derwent Innovation as the data source, this paper conducts analysis on items of patent annual distribution, technology research and development hotspots, priority countries, and innovation subjects with tools of Derwent Data Analyzer and Excel. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) 3D bio-printing technology has entered a period of rapid development after 2013. 3D bio-printing equipment, technology and processes, biomedical materials, and polymer materials are the main hotspots. Medical model construction, medical implants, drug delivery, printing materials, 3D printing methods, craftsmanship and processes, medical devices and equipment are the core technologies in this field. The most prolific countries are China, the United States, and Korea. (2) The United States is the leader in core technology and product. Although China has a large number of patents, the occupancy of core technology patents is not high, and the quality and influence of patents need to be improved. (3) Foreign countries attach great importance to the layout of patents in the international market. China has fewer foreign patent applications and its global competition awareness is relatively lacking. (4) There are certain differences between countries in the concerned technical fields. Chinese research is focused on areas such as 3D printing equipment, systems, and tissue engineering scaffolds. From the perspective of innovation subject, foreign countries are dominated by enterprises and have a good industrial foundation, while universities are dominated and basic research is valued in China [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]