T&R Biofab said Wednesday that it has signed an original equipment manufacturing (OEM) agreement with Merck regarding its bio-ink.

Bio-ink is a material used to make tissue through 3D printing. It is a core material of 3D bioprinting technology as it prevents any cell damage while maintaining the survival of cells after printing.

“Through this contract, Merck, which has a worldwide distribution network, will distribute T&R Biofab’s deglycosylated matrix-based tissue-specific bio-ink,” a company official said. “This will be an opportunity to provide practical applications and value for bio-ink and 3D bioprinting, which has been only an academic concept.”

The company plans to distribute its product through Sigma-Aldrich’s, a subsidiary of Merck, an online distribution network.

“Through this agreement, we will demonstrate our technological prowess and lead the competitive 3D bioprinting market,” the official added.

T&R Biofab is a venture company established in 2013 that specializes in biodegradable medical devices, bio-ink, organoid (artificial organ prototype), and 3D printing cell treatment agent by utilizing 3D printing technology.