Methods and apparatus for 3D printed hydrogel materials

Abstract

There is provided a 3D printing system, methods, and materials for the 3D printing of objects that include a cured hydrogel material, an uncured hydrogel material, and a support material. The cured hydrogel material may define a scaffold for organs or other biological structures. The 3D printing system selectively deposits the hydrogel material and support material, dries the hydrogel material, and selectively applies a catalyst to the hydrogel material to selectively cure the hydrogel material. Once the 3D printing has completed, the uncured hydrogel material may be drained and the support material may be melted or dissolved leaving a scaffold of cured hydrogel material that may be infused with living cells of the desired organ or biological structure.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 288,043, filed on Jan. 28, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention is related to 3D printing of hydrogel materials, and more particularly, to 3D printing of scaffolding that may be later infused with living cells.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]A need exists for functional biological structures, such as lungs and other organs, and attempts to date to 3D print such structures or scaffolds have been inadequate.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0004]The various embodiments of the present invention address the above needs and achieve other advantages by providing a 3D printing system, methods, and materials for the creation of 3D printed scaffolding of hydrogel material(s). In one embodiment of the present invention, the 3D printing system comprises: (a) a platfo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a new method for making 3D objects using a special material called hydrogel. The method involves creating a scaffold made of cured hydrogel, which provides a structure for cells to grow in. Then, the scaffold is filled with uncured hydrogel material to create passages within it. Finally, a support structure is added to help hold the whole object together. This method makes it easier to create complex objects and ensures that the cells have a proper environment to grow in. The system can also be used to create other types of 3D objects using different materials.

Problems solved by technology

A need exists for functional biological structures, such as lungs and other organs, and attempts to date to 3D print such structures or scaffolds have been inadequate.

Images