A biological ink delivery device and a 3D bio-printer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a biological ink delivery device and a 3D bio - printer, belonging to the technical field of 3D bio - printing. The biological ink delivery device includes a push rod, a docking member, a syringe assembly, and a nozzle assembly. The syringe assembly is divided into a plurality of propulsion chambers by a partition plate. A push rod is provided in each propulsion chamber. The nozzle assembly is cooperatively connected to the front end of the syringe assembly. The nozzle assembly is divided into a plurality of extrusion channels by a spacer. The partition plate is hermetically docked with the spacer through the docking member so that the propulsion chambers are in one - to - one correspondence and communication with the extrusion channels. With this structure, by setting a plurality of propulsion chambers corresponding to and communicating with a plurality of extrusion channels, different biological inks can be simultaneously extruded during a single path process to complete printing, achieving the effect of being able to integrally perform multi - layer cell structure printing with a single nozzle assembly in a single path planning, simplifying the path planning, eliminating the replacement of biological inks, shortening the time required for 3D bio - printing, and being beneficial to the survival of cells after bio - printing is completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of 3D bioprinting, and particularly relates to a bioink delivery device and a 3D bioprinter. Background Art

[0002] 3D bioprinting is a stacking manufacturing technology based on a computer electronic model. A hydrogel prepared from different components such as biomaterials, cells, growth factors, etc. is used as "bioink". Through computer modeling technology, the printing path is planned, and a printing body with complex biological and mechanical properties is manufactured by using a layer-by-layer stacking technology. It can mimic the structure, composition, and function of natural tissues and assist in the repair of damaged tissues or organs. It is a research hotspot in the field of tissue engineering organ reconstruction.

[0003] Extrusion-based 3D bioprinting is one of the 3D bioprinting methods. The bioink is loaded into a printing syringe, and the 3D bioprinter extrudes the bioink through mechanical extrusion for printing. It is simple, economical, and scalable, and is currently widely used.

[0004] Currently, to print tissues or organs with a multi-layer cell structure through an extrusion-based 3D bioprinter, it is often achieved in two ways. One way is to use computer modeling technology to plan the three printing paths of a single print head before printing. After printing a layer of cell structure with a single print head, new bioink is replaced to print the second layer of cell structure, and then different bioinks are replaced to print the third layer of cell structure, so as to achieve the bioprinting of the multi-layer cell structure of tissues or organs. Another way is to mount multiple print heads, plan the printing paths of each print head, load different bioinks in different print heads, and achieve the bioprinting of the multi-layer cell structure of tissues or organs through the layer-by-layer printing of different print heads. The first way requires multiple establishment of printing paths, and the preparation before printing is relatively cumbersome; at the same time, it is necessary to replace bioinks multiple times during printing, which is easy to cause contamination, and it takes a long time to complete the bioprinting work, which is not conducive to the survival of cells in the bioink. The second way requires precise planning of the printing paths of each print head before printing, and the preparation before printing is relatively complex. At the same time, it also takes a long time to complete the bioprinting work.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a bioink delivery device and a 3D bioprinter that can achieve multi-cell integrated printing with a single print head. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides a bioink delivery device and a 3D bioprinter to solve the technical problems in the prior art that extrusion-based 3D bioprinting requires continuous replacement of bioinks or continuous planning of printing paths for different print heads, and the printing process is complex.

[0007] The present invention is realized through the following technical solutions: A biological ink delivery device includes a push rod, a docking member, a syringe assembly, and a nozzle assembly. The syringe assembly is divided into a plurality of propulsion chambers for loading biological ink by a partition. Each of the propulsion chambers is provided with the push rod. The nozzle assembly is cooperatively connected to the front end of the syringe assembly. The nozzle assembly is divided into a plurality of extrusion channels by a spacer. The partition is hermetically docked with the spacer through the docking member so that the propulsion chambers are in one-to-one correspondence and communication with the extrusion channels.

[0008] To better realize the present invention, further optimization is made in the above structure. The syringe assembly includes a barrel and a nipple. The nipple is integrally connected to the center of the front end of the barrel and is in communication with the barrel. The number of the partitions is two. The two partitions are parallel and spaced in the barrel. The front ends of the partitions extend into the nipple. The barrel and the nipple are divided into three independent propulsion chambers by the partitions. The front ends of the three push rods are respectively slidably connected in the three propulsion chambers. The front end of the push rod is provided with a piston that matches the cross-sectional shape of the corresponding propulsion chamber.

[0009] To better realize the present invention, further optimization is made in the above structure. The nozzle assembly includes a needle tube and a connecting sleeve. The tail end of the needle tube is inserted into the front end of the connecting sleeve. The nipple is cooperatively inserted into the rear end of the connecting sleeve and fixed by an anti-detachment clamping member. The number of the spacers is two. The two spacers are parallel and spaced in the needle tube. The rear ends of the spacers extend into the connecting sleeve. The needle tube and the connecting sleeve are divided into three independent extrusion channels by the spacers. The two spacers are connected to the two partitions in one-to-one correspondence through the docking member so that the three extrusion channels are correspondingly communicated with the three propulsion chambers.

[0010] To better realize the present invention, further optimization is made in the above structure. The docking member is a rubber sleeve. The rubber sleeve is sleeved on the front end of the nipple. The front end of the rubber sleeve is provided with two parallel and spaced docking strips. The cross-sectional shape of the docking strip is I-shaped. The front end of the partition is cooperatively inserted into the rear groove of the docking strip. The rear end of the spacer is inserted into the front groove of the docking strip.

[0011] To better realize the present invention, further optimization is made in the above structure. The anti-detachment clamping member is a block protruding from the outer wall of the middle part of the nipple. The inner wall of the rear end of the connecting sleeve is provided with a sunk groove. The block is fitted into the sunk groove.

[0012] To better realize the present invention, further optimization is made in the above structure. The barrel, the partition, and the push rod are all plastic structural parts.

[0013] To better implement the present invention, further optimization is made to the above structure. The needle tube is a steel needle, and the spacer is a steel sheet.

[0014] To better implement the present invention, further optimization is made to the above structure. The rear end of the push rod is extended with an annular limiting plate.

[0015] To better implement the present invention, further optimization is made to the above structure. The rear end of the push rod is extended with a baffle, and a plurality of the push rods are integrally connected through the above baffle.

[0016] A 3D bioprinter includes a driving mechanism and a bioink delivery device, and the driving mechanism is connected to the push rod of the bioink delivery device.

[0017] The present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0018] The bioink delivery device provided by the present invention includes a push rod, a docking member, a syringe assembly, and a nozzle assembly. The syringe assembly is divided into a plurality of propulsion chambers for loading bioink by a partition plate. A push rod is provided in each propulsion chamber. The nozzle assembly is cooperatively connected to the front end of the syringe assembly. The nozzle assembly is divided into a plurality of extrusion channels by a spacer. The partition plate is hermetically docked with the spacer through the docking member so that the propulsion chambers are in one-to-one correspondence and communication with the extrusion channels. With this structure, by providing a plurality of independent propulsion chambers in the syringe assembly corresponding to and communicating with a plurality of independent extrusion channels of the nozzle assembly, different bioinks can be simultaneously extruded during a single path process to complete printing, achieving the effect of being able to integrally perform multi-layer cell structure printing with a single nozzle assembly in a single path planning, simplifying the path planning, eliminating the replacement of bioink during printing, avoiding contamination caused by bioink replacement, shortening the time required for 3D bioprinting, and being beneficial to the survival of cells after bioprinting.

[0019] The present invention also provides a 3D bioprinter, including a driving mechanism and a bioink delivery device. The driving mechanism is connected to the push rod of the bioink delivery device, shortening the preparation time before printing, realizing simultaneous printing of multi-layer cell structures in a single path, improving the printing efficiency, and shortening the printing time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0021] Figure 1It is a schematic structural diagram of the bio-ink delivery device in the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the syringe assembly in the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the nozzle assembly in the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the push rod in the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the docking part in the present invention.

[0026] In the figure:

[0027] 1 - Push rod; 2 - Docking part; 21 - Docking strip; 3 - Syringe assembly; 31 - Cylinder body; 32 - Nipple; 33 - Piston; 4 - Nozzle assembly; 41 - Needle tube; 42 - Connecting sleeve; 43 - Anti - detachment clip; 5 - Partition board; 6 - Pushing cavity; 7 - Extrusion channel; 8 - Annular limiting plate; 9 - Baffle; 10 - Spacer; 11 - Sunk groove. Detailed implementation manners

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. All other implementation manners obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without making creative efforts fall within the scope protected by the present invention.

[0029] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more; the orientation or positional relationships indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", "front end", "rear end", "head", "tail", etc. are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus cannot be construed as a limitation of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installation", "connection", and "coupling" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0031] Embodiment 1:

[0032] In this embodiment, a bioink delivery device, as Figures 1 to 5 shown, includes a push rod 1, a docking member 2, a syringe assembly 3, and a nozzle assembly 4. Specifically, the syringe assembly 3 is divided into a plurality of propulsion chambers 6 for loading bioink by a partition 5. A push rod 1 is provided in each of the propulsion chambers 6. The movement of the push rod 1 squeezes the bioink to the nozzle assembly 4. The nozzle assembly 4 is cooperatively connected to the front end of the syringe assembly 3. The nozzle assembly 4 is divided into a plurality of extrusion channels 7 by a spacer 10. The partition 5 is hermetically docked with the spacer 10 through the docking member 2 so that the propulsion chambers 6 communicate with the extrusion channels 7 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0033] With this structure, by providing a plurality of independent propulsion chambers 6 in the syringe assembly 3 corresponding to a plurality of independent extrusion channels 7 of the nozzle assembly 4, different bioinks can be simultaneously extruded by the push rod 1 during a single path process to complete printing, achieving the effect of enabling a single nozzle assembly 4 to integrally perform multi-layer cell structure printing in a single path planning, simplifying the path planning, eliminating the replacement of bioink during printing, avoiding contamination caused by bioink replacement, shortening the time required for 3D bioprinting, and being beneficial to the survival of cells after bioprinting.

[0034] As a specific implementation manner of this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the above syringe assembly 3 includes a barrel 31 and a nipple 32. The above nipple 32 is integrally connected to the front center of the above barrel 31 and communicates with the above barrel 31. The number of the above partitions 5 is two. The two above partitions 5 are arranged in parallel and at intervals in the above barrel 31. The front ends of the above partitions 5 extend into the above nipple 32, so that the above barrel 31 and the nipple 32 are divided into three independent above-mentioned propulsion chambers 6 together by the above partitions 5. The front ends of the three above-mentioned propulsion rods 1 are respectively slidably connected in the three above-mentioned propulsion chambers 6. A piston 33 that matches the cross-sectional shape of the corresponding propulsion chamber 6 is provided at the front end of the above propulsion rod 1. It should be noted that the above pistons 33 at the front ends of each of the above propulsion rods 1 have different shapes. The shape of the above piston 33 matches the shape of the front end of the above propulsion chamber 6 where it is located to achieve the effects of sealing and leakage prevention, so that the above propulsion rod 1 can completely squeeze the bio-ink in the above propulsion chamber 6 into the above nozzle assembly 4.

[0035] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the above nozzle assembly 4 includes a needle tube 41 and a connecting sleeve 42. The tail end of the above needle tube 41 is inserted into the front end of the above connecting sleeve 42. The above nipple 32 is fitted and inserted into the rear end of the above connecting sleeve 42 and fixed by an anti-disengagement member 43. The above connecting sleeve 42 and the nipple 32 are detachably and quickly connected. Different-shaped nozzle assemblies 4 can be selected and replaced in 3D bioprinting to perform 3D bioprinting of different shapes. The number of the above spacer plates 10 is two. The two above spacer plates 10 are arranged in parallel and at intervals in the above needle tube 41. The rear ends of the above spacer plates 10 extend into the above connecting sleeve 42. The above spacer plates 10 are tightly connected to the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 42, so that the above needle tube 41 and the connecting sleeve 42 are divided into three independent above-mentioned extrusion channels 7 together by the above spacer plates 10. The two above spacer plates 10 are connected to the two above partitions 5 one by one through the above docking member 2, so that the three above extrusion channels 7 communicate with the three above propulsion chambers 6 correspondingly. Different bio-inks in the three above propulsion chambers 6 are simultaneously squeezed by the above propulsion rods 1 and are respectively pushed into the three correspondingly connected above extrusion channels 7, so that three different bio-inks are simultaneously extruded to form a three-layer cell structure printed by the three different bio-inks. The printing of the three-layer structure is completed in one path, with higher efficiency.

[0036] In this embodiment, as Figure 5As shown, the above docking part 2 is a rubber sheath, which is sleeved and fixed at the front end of the above nipple 32. Two parallel and spaced docking strips 21 are provided at the front end of the above rubber sheath. The cross-sectional shape of the above docking strip 21 is I-shaped. The front end of the above partition 5 is fitted and inserted into the rear groove of the above docking strip 21, and the rear end of the above spacer 10 is inserted into the front groove of the above docking strip 21. Through the tight fitting of the above spacer 10 and the docking strip 21 and the tight cooperation of the above partition 5 and the upper docking strip 21, the sealing performance at the connection between the above docking part 2 and the spacer 10 and the partition 5 is improved, and it has a certain buffering effect, prolonging the service life, thereby ensuring the independence between the three above propulsion chambers 6 and the three above extrusion channels 7, and preventing different bioinks from mixing in the above syringe assembly 3 and the nozzle assembly 4.

[0037] In order to improve the connection reliability between the above connection sleeve 42 and the nipple 32, the above anti-disengagement part 43 is a block protruding from the outer wall of the middle part of the above nipple 32. A sunk groove 11 is provided on the inner wall of the rear end of the above connection sleeve 42. The above block is fitted into the above sunk groove 11. The number of the above block and the sunk groove 11 is two, and they are symmetrically arranged along the radial direction. Through the connection between the above block and the sunk groove 11, the above nozzle assembly 4 is firmly connected to the front end of the above syringe assembly 3, ensuring the stability of the connection, capable of withstanding large pressure changes, avoiding loosening or breaking of the connection, and ensuring that the above propulsion chamber 6 and the above extrusion channel 7 can be in one-to-one correspondence and communication, so that different bioinks in the three above propulsion chambers 6 can be smoothly extruded into the correspondingly connected above extrusion channels.

[0038] In this embodiment, the above cylinder body 31, partition 5 and push rod 1 are all plastic structural parts. The above cylinder body 31 and partition 5 are integrally formed by die casting. The above needle tube 41 is a steel needle, and the above spacer 10 is a steel sheet. The above needle tube 41 and spacer 10 are integrally formed by die casting.

[0039] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, an annular limiting plate 8 is extended at the rear end of the above push rod 1. The above annular limiting plate 8 is used to cooperate with the installation position on the 3D bio-printer, so that the bioink delivery device is installed on the installation position of the 3D bio-printer. A baffle 9 is extended at the rear end of the above push rod 1. Multiple above push rods 1 are integrally connected through the above baffle 9. Multiple above push rods 1 are pushed synchronously, so that different bioinks are extruded simultaneously to form a multi-layer cell structure.

[0040] Embodiment 2:

[0041] In this embodiment, a 3D bioprinter includes a driving mechanism and the above-mentioned biological ink delivery device. The driving mechanism is connected to the push rod 1 of the biological ink delivery device. During use, the syringe assembly 3 of the biological ink delivery device is installed at the installation position of the 3D bioprinter, so that the baffle 9 at the rear end of the syringe assembly 3 is connected to the driving mechanism. The driving mechanism pushes the push rod 1 through the baffle 9, so that the biological ink in the propulsion chamber 6 is extruded through the extrusion channel 7 to form a multi-layer cell structure, shortening the preparation time before printing, realizing the simultaneous printing of the multi-layer cell structure in one path, improving the printing efficiency, and shortening the printing time.

[0042] As described above, the above is only the specific embodiment of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A biological ink delivery device, characterized in that: It includes a push rod (1), a docking member (2), a syringe assembly (3) and a nozzle assembly (4). The syringe assembly (3) is divided into a plurality of propulsion chambers (6) for loading bio-ink by a partition plate (5). The push rod (1) is arranged in each of the propulsion chambers (6). The nozzle assembly (4) is cooperatively connected to the front end of the syringe assembly (3). The nozzle assembly (4) is divided into a plurality of extrusion channels (7) by a spacer (10). The partition plate (5) is hermetically docked with the spacer (10) through the docking member (2) so that the propulsion chambers (6) are in one-to-one correspondence and communication with the extrusion channels (7); The syringe assembly (3) includes a cylinder body (31) and a nipple (32). The nipple (32) is integrally connected to the center of the front end of the cylinder body (31) and is communicated with the cylinder body (31). The number of the partition plates (5) is two. The two partition plates (5) are parallel and spaced in the cylinder body (31). The front end of the partition plate (5) extends into the nipple (32). The cylinder body (31) and the nipple (32) are divided into three independent propulsion chambers (6) by the partition plate (5). The front ends of the three push rods (1) are respectively slidably connected in the three propulsion chambers (6). A piston (33) matching the cross-sectional shape of the corresponding propulsion chamber (6) is arranged at the front end of the push rod (1); The nozzle assembly (4) includes a needle tube (41) and a connecting sleeve (42). The tail end of the needle tube (41) is inserted into the front end of the connecting sleeve (42). The nipple (32) is cooperatively inserted into the rear end of the connecting sleeve (42) and fixed by an anti-disengagement card member (43). The number of the spacers (10) is two. The two spacers (10) are parallel and spaced in the needle tube (41). The rear end of the spacer (10) extends into the connecting sleeve (42). The needle tube (41) and the connecting sleeve (42) are divided into three independent extrusion channels (7) by the spacer (10). The two spacers (10) are connected to the two partition plates (5) in one-to-one correspondence through the docking member (2) so that the three extrusion channels (7) are correspondingly communicated with the three propulsion chambers (6); The docking member (2) is a rubber sleeve. The rubber sleeve is sleeved on the front end of the nipple (32). Two parallel and spaced docking strips (21) are arranged at the front end of the rubber sleeve. The cross-sectional shape of the docking strip (21) is I-shaped. The front end of the partition plate (5) is cooperatively inserted into the rear groove of the docking strip (21). The rear end of the spacer (10) is inserted into the front groove of the docking strip (21).

2. The bioink delivery device according to claim 1, wherein: The anti-disengagement card member (43) is a block protruding from the outer wall of the middle part of the nipple (32). A sunk groove (11) is arranged on the inner wall of the rear end of the connecting sleeve (42). The block is fitted in the sunk groove (11).

3. The bioink delivery device according to claim 1, wherein: The cylinder body (31), the partition plate (5) and the push rod (1) are all plastic structural parts.

4. A biological ink delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The needle tube (41) is a steel needle, and the spacer (10) is a steel sheet.

5. A bioink delivery device according to any one of claims 1 - 4, characterized in that: The rear end of the push rod (1) is extended with an annular limiting plate (8).

6. The bioink delivery device according to claim 5, wherein: The rear end of the push rod (1) is extended with a baffle plate (9), and a plurality of the push rods (1) are integrally connected through the baffle plate (9).

7. A 3D bioprinter, characterized in that: It includes a driving mechanism and the bio-ink delivery device according to any one of claims 1-6, and the driving mechanism is connected to the push rod (1) of the bio-ink delivery device.

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