Supply device, bioprinter system, supply method, and manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention provides a supply device, etc., that allows for easy adjustment of the physical properties of printing materials supplied to a bioprinter. [Solution] The supply device 100 includes a pump 10 that sends out ink 11a mainly composed of food raw materials or medical materials containing organic matter, a flow path (for example, a tubular member 20) for supplying the ink 11a sent out from the pump 10 to the bioprinter 70, and a heating unit (for example, an applicator 50) provided in the middle of the flow path that solidifies the ink 11a flowing through the flow path by heating with microwaves or high-frequency waves. The supply device 100 then supplies the ink solidified by the heating unit to the bioprinter 70 as a printing material.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a supply device, a bioprinter system, a supply method, and a manufacturing method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the usefulness of 3D bioprinters has been reported in the preparation of dysphagia-friendly foods, sweets, cultured meat, and medical materials. In particular, in the development of dysphagia-friendly foods, with the increase in the elderly population, there is a growing number of people with chewing and swallowing difficulties. From the perspective of improving the Quality of Life (QOL) for people with chewing and swallowing difficulties, gel-like foods are provided. 3D bioprinters are effective in creating gel-like foods (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0192686 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Incidentally, it is desirable that the physical properties of the printing material supplied to bioprinters such as 3D bioprinters, such as hardness, adhesion, and cohesiveness, can be easily adjusted.

[0005] Therefore, this disclosure provides a supply device, a bioprinter system, a supply method, and a manufacturing method that allow for easy adjustment of the physical properties of the printing material supplied to the bioprinter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A supply device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a supply device for supplying printing material to a bioprinter, comprising: a pump for dispensing ink mainly composed of food raw materials or medical materials containing organic matter; a flow path for supplying the ink dispensed from the pump to the bioprinter; and a heating unit provided in the middle of the flow path for solidifying the ink flowing through the flow path by heating with microwaves or high frequencies, and supplying the ink solidified by the heating unit as the printing material to the bioprinter.

[0007] A bioprinter system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises the above-described supply device and the bioprinter from which the printing material is supplied from the supply device, wherein the bioprinter comprises a first stage and a second stage having a nozzle for discharging the printing material toward the first stage, and the first stage and the second stage are relatively movable in a three-dimensional direction.

[0008] A supply method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a supply method for supplying printing material to a bioprinter, comprising: dispensing ink mainly composed of food raw materials or medical materials containing organic matter; solidifying the ink by heating with microwaves or high-frequency waves in the middle of a flow path for supplying the dispensed ink to the bioprinter; and supplying the ink solidified by the heating as the printing material to the bioprinter.

[0009] A manufacturing method according to one aspect of this disclosure involves producing a molded object by printing the printing material supplied by the above supply method using the bioprinter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to realize a supply device, etc., that can easily adjust the physical properties of the printing material supplied to a bioprinter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a 3D bioprinter system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an applicator according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the measurement results of the temperature measured by thermography according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a shaped object by a 3D bioprinter system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the measurement results of hardness due to differences in heating according to an embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the measurement results of water retention capacity due to differences in heating according to an embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a cryo-SEM image of a hydrogel after gelation according to a comparative example. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a cryo-SEM image of a hydrogel after gelation according to an embodiment when high-frequency heating (200 MHz) is performed. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a diagram showing a cryo-SEM image of a hydrogel after gelation according to an embodiment when microwave heating (915 MHz) is performed. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D is a diagram showing a cryo-SEM image of a hydrogel after gelation according to an embodiment when microwave heating (2.45 GHz) is performed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the results of evaluating the protein denaturation of a hydrogel after gelation according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the microwave absorption characteristics of a sample according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the outlet temperature in the heating section of a hydrogel after gelation according to an embodiment for each heating condition. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a printed hydrogel according to an embodiment when the output of a microwave heating device is 8 W. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a printed hydrogel according to an embodiment when the output of the microwave heating device is 9W. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C is a diagram showing a printed hydrogel according to an embodiment when the output of the microwave heating device is 10W. [Figure 10D] FIG. 10D is a diagram showing a printed hydrogel according to an embodiment when the output of the microwave heating device is 11W. [Figure 10E] FIG. 10E is a diagram showing a printed hydrogel according to an embodiment when the output of the microwave heating device is 12W. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the outlet temperature at the heating part of the gelled hydrogel according to the embodiment for each output of the heating device when high-frequency heating (200 MHz) is performed at a flow rate of 500 μL / min. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing that the hardness of the hydrogel after gelation is improved by high-frequency heating (200 MHz). [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the microwave absorption characteristics of the sample according to the embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] The supply device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a supply device that supplies a printing material to a bioprinter, and includes a pump that sends out an ink mainly composed of a food raw material or a medical material containing an organic substance, a flow path for supplying the ink sent out from the pump to the bioprinter, and a heating part provided in the middle of the flow path that coagulates the ink flowing through the flow path by heating with microwaves or high frequencies. The ink coagulated by the heating part is supplied to the bioprinter as the printing material.

[0013] This makes it easier to adjust the physical properties of the printing material supplied to the bioprinter by changing the microwave or high-frequency frequency, compared to heat transfer heating. Therefore, the supply device according to this embodiment makes it possible to easily adjust the physical properties of the printing material supplied to the bioprinter.

[0014] Furthermore, for example, the supply device according to the second embodiment is the supply device according to the first embodiment, and the heating unit may have a semiconductor oscillator that generates microwaves.

[0015] This makes it possible to obtain printing materials with desired physical properties at low power output.

[0016] Furthermore, for example, the supply device according to the third embodiment is the supply device according to the second embodiment, and the output of the semiconductor oscillator may be 50W or less.

[0017] This makes it possible to obtain printing materials with desired physical properties at low power output of 50W or less.

[0018] Furthermore, for example, the supply device according to the fourth embodiment is a supply device according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the heating unit solidifies the food raw material or the medical material by heating with microwaves, and the frequency of the microwaves may be 300 MHz or more and 30 GHz or less.

[0019] This allows for the efficient coagulation of hydrogels using microwaves between 300 MHz and 30 GHz.

[0020] Furthermore, for example, the supply device according to the fifth embodiment is a supply device according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the heating unit solidifies the food raw material or the medical material by heating with the high frequency, and the frequency of the high frequency may be 3 MHz or more and less than 300 MHz.

[0021] This allows for the efficient coagulation of hydrogels using high frequencies between 3 MHz and 300 MHz.

[0022] Furthermore, for example, the supply device according to the sixth embodiment may be a supply device according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, and may include a sensor for measuring the outlet temperature of the ink when the ink has passed through the heating section.

[0023] This allows us to confirm whether the printing material has the desired physical properties based on the outlet temperature.

[0024] Furthermore, for example, the supply device according to the seventh embodiment is a supply device according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, and the supply device may improve the water retention capacity of the food raw material or the medical material by heating the heating section.

[0025] This improves the water retention capacity of the molded object (for example, dysphagia food), which in turn improves the texture of the object.

[0026] Furthermore, for example, the supply device according to the eighth embodiment is a supply device according to any one of the first to seventh embodiments, and the food raw material or medical material may include a hydrogel that solidifies or dissolves upon heating.

[0027] This makes it possible to create an ink that solidifies with heat using a hydrogel that solidifies or dissolves when heated.

[0028] Furthermore, for example, the supply device according to the ninth embodiment is the supply device according to the eighth embodiment, and the food ingredients may include at least one of the following as paste-like food ingredients: cookie dough, chocolate, vegetable paste, cultured meat, and alternative meat.

[0029] This makes it possible to prepare an ink that solidifies upon heat, containing at least one of the following as a paste-like food ingredient: cookie dough, chocolate, vegetable paste, cultured meat, or meat substitute.

[0030] Furthermore, for example, the supply device according to the 10th embodiment is the supply device according to the 8th embodiment, and the food raw material or medical material may include at least one of starch gel, glucomannan, egg white / milk protein gel, sodium alginate, gelatin gel, κ-carrageenan gel, and xanthan gum and locust bean gum gel.

[0031] This makes it possible to prepare hydrogel inks that solidify or dissolve upon heat by including at least one of the following: starch gel, glucomannan, egg white / milk protein gel, sodium alginate, gelatin gel, κ-carrageenan gel, and xanthan gum and locust bean gum.

[0032] Furthermore, for example, the supply device according to the 11th embodiment is a supply device according to any one of the first to tenth embodiments, and further comprises a container for storing the ink, and the pump may send the ink from the container into the flow path.

[0033] This allows ink to be continuously dispensed from the container, enabling a continuous supply of printing material to the bioprinter.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, the supply device according to the 12th embodiment is a supply device according to any one of the first to 11th embodiments, and the food raw material or medical material may contain ions.

[0035] This allows for faster heating because it contains ions that are easily heated by microwaves and high-frequency waves.

[0036] Furthermore, for example, the supply device according to the 13th embodiment is the supply device according to the 12th embodiment, and the ions may include monovalent, divalent, or trivalent cations.

[0037] This allows for selective heating of monovalent, divalent, or trivalent cations using microwaves or high-frequency waves, enabling heating or solidification in a shorter time.

[0038] Furthermore, for example, the supply device according to the 14th embodiment is a supply device according to any one of the first to 13th embodiments, and the food raw material or medical material may include fibrous material.

[0039] This makes it possible to easily adjust the physical properties of printing materials that include fibrous materials.

[0040] Furthermore, for example, the supply device according to the 15th embodiment may be a supply device according to any one embodiment of the 1st to 14th embodiments, and the bioprinter may be a bioprinter for producing at least one of sweets, dysphagia food, artificial meat, cultured meat, cell layers, artificial tissue, and organs.

[0041] This makes it possible to easily adjust the physical properties of printing materials necessary for manufacturing at least one of sweets, dysphagia foods, artificial meat, cultured meat, cell layers, artificial tissues, and organs.

[0042] Furthermore, a bioprinter system according to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure comprises a supply device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, and a bioprinter from which the printing material is supplied from the supply device, wherein the bioprinter comprises a first stage and a second stage having a nozzle for discharging the printing material toward the first stage, and the first stage and the second stage are relatively movable in a three-dimensional direction.

[0043] As a result, the bioprinter is supplied with printing material whose physical properties have been adjusted, so the bioprinter does not need to have a heating mechanism. Therefore, it is possible to realize a bioprinter system in which the physical properties of the objects produced by the bioprinter can be easily adjusted and the configuration of the bioprinter can be simplified.

[0044] Furthermore, a supply method according to a 17th aspect of this disclosure is a supply method for supplying printing material to a bioprinter, wherein an ink mainly composed of food raw materials or medical materials containing organic matter is sent out, the ink is solidified by heating with microwaves or high frequencies in the middle of a flow path for supplying the sent-out ink to the bioprinter, and the ink solidified by the heating is supplied to the bioprinter as the printing material.

[0045] This produces the same effect as the supply device described above.

[0046] Furthermore, the manufacturing method according to the 18th aspect of this disclosure involves producing a molded object by printing the printing material supplied by the supply method according to the 17th aspect using the bioprinter.

[0047] This allows for the creation and layering of objects using printing materials with adjusted physical properties, making it easy to manufacture objects.

[0048] These general or specific embodiments may be implemented using a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or a non-temporary recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or any combination of a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0049] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0050] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0051] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Therefore, for example, the scale may not necessarily match in each figure. Also, in each figure, substantially identical components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0052] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating relationships between elements such as parallel and identical, terms indicating the shape of elements such as circular, and numerical values ​​and numerical ranges do not represent only strict meanings, but also include substantially equivalent ranges, such as differences of a few percent (or about 10%).

[0053] (Embodiment) The 3D (three-dimensional) bioprinter system, including the supply device according to this embodiment, will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 12.

[0054] [1. Configuration of the 3D Bioprinter System] First, the configuration of the 3D bioprinter system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the 3D bioprinter system 1 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 1 shows an exemplary configuration of the 3D bioprinter system 1, and the configuration of the 3D bioprinter system 1 is not limited to Figure 1. The 3D bioprinter system 1 is an example of a bioprinter system.

[0055] As shown in Figure 1, the 3D bioprinter system 1 is a manufacturing system that produces a molded object from ink 11a using a 3D bioprinter 70. As will be described in detail later, the 3D bioprinter system 1 according to this embodiment is characterized in that it supplies a printing material with adjusted physical properties by heating and solidifying or dissolving the ink 11a using high-frequency heating or microwave heating, rather than conventional heat transfer heating. With heat transfer heating, it takes time to heat to the center, making it difficult to adjust physical properties. In food products, there are issues such as a decrease in nutritional and aromatic components due to heating, but by using high-frequency heating or microwave heating, it is possible to heat uniformly from the inside in a short time, so that it is possible to adjust physical properties while suppressing the decrease in nutritional and aromatic components. Adjusting physical properties here means adjusting the physical properties of the ink (e.g., hydrogel) so that it can be deposited three-dimensionally without being crushed by weight when stacking ink in 3D printing. Hereafter, heat transfer heating will also be referred to as normal heating. Furthermore, the following will mainly describe an example of solidifying the ink 11a using high-frequency heating or microwave heating.

[0056] Coagulation, in this context, is equivalent to gelation, a state in which proteins and other substances lose their fluidity due to thermal coagulation. In other words, coagulation does not mean a complete loss of fluidity (for example, a completely solid state). Proteins function as coagulants.

[0057] The objects produced by the 3D bioprinter 70 include at least one of the following: sweets, dysphagia-friendly foods, artificial meat, cultured meat, cell layers, and medical materials (e.g., cell layers, artificial tissues, and organs). An example of a dysphagia-friendly food object is described below.

[0058] The 3D bioprinter system 1 comprises a supply device 100, a 3D bioprinter 70, and an information processing device 80.

[0059] The supply device 100 supplies printing material to the 3D bioprinter 70. The supply device 100 comprises a pump 10, a tubular member 20, an electromagnetic wave generator 30, a matching unit 40, an applicator 50, and a thermography device 60. The components of the supply device 100 may be spaced apart from each other or housed in a single enclosure.

[0060] The pump 10 dispenses the ink 11a. The pump 10 continuously dispenses the ink 11a into the tubular member 20. Continuous dispensing means, for example, that the ink 11a is dispensed without interruption.

[0061] The pump 10 has a container 11 for storing ink 11a. The pump 10 delivers the ink 11a from the container 11 to the tubular member 20. The container 11 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment it is made of a syringe. In other words, the pump 10 according to this embodiment is a syringe pump. Note that the pump 10 is not limited to a syringe pump, but may be any pump capable of delivering ink 11a. For example, the pump 10 may be a plunger pump, a tubular member pump, a mono pump, a screw feeder (for slurry), etc.

[0062] Furthermore, the pump 10 can control the flow rate of the ink 11a flowing inside the tubular member 20.

[0063] Here, we will describe ink 11a. Ink 11a is a molding composition, and is an ink mainly composed of food raw materials or medical materials containing organic matter. Food raw materials or medical materials are materials composed of plant-derived substances, biologically derived substances, etc., and are materials that have properties that allow them to be used as food raw materials or medical materials, and properties that make them compatible with living organisms. Food raw materials are raw materials for food that can be taken into the body. Medical materials are materials used in medicine and materials related to medicine. In this embodiment, ink 11a is an ink mainly composed of hydrogel or paste-like food. Ink 11a may also be an ink mainly composed of hydrogel containing emulsion (hydrogel ink). Below, we will describe an example in which ink 11a is a hydrogel ink. Note that "main component" may mean that the content of the target food raw material or medical material element in ink 11a is greater than 50 wt%, or that it has the highest content, or that the content is greater than a predetermined value. Hydrogel or paste-like food is an example of organic matter.

[0064] Hydrogels are soft, fluid materials used in food, medicine, and other applications. A hydrogel may contain at least one of two types of hydrogels: one that solidifies upon heating and one that dissolves upon heating. A hydrogel may contain at least one type of hydrogel that solidifies upon heating, or one type of hydrogel that dissolves upon heating. In the following discussion, we will focus on cases where the hydrogel contains a type of hydrogel that solidifies upon heating.

[0065] The ink may also contain at least one of a paste-like food material and a hydrogel-like food material. The paste-like food material includes at least one of cookie dough, chocolate, vegetable paste, cultured meat, and meat substitute. The hydrogel-like food material includes at least one of starch gel, glucomannan, egg white / milk protein gel, sodium alginate, gelatin gel, κ-carrageenan gel, and xanthan gum and locust bean gum gel.

[0066] Furthermore, ink 11a may contain ions. Ions are effective for both microwave absorption properties and gel formation. Ions can be heated (selectively heated) by microwave or high frequency. Ions are, for example, Mg 2+ Ca 2+ Zn 2+ Divalent cations such as those mentioned above are effective, but monovalent or trivalent cations may also be used, or other ions with a certain conductivity. The ion concentration is determined, for example, based on the conductivity determined by complex dielectric constant measurement and evaluation of gelation behavior by DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry). The ion concentration is, for example, around a few percent.

[0067] Such an ink 11a may be realized, for example, by an emulsion-containing egg white protein (EP) solution prepared by mixing an emulsion with a predetermined solution and stirring in MgCl2 to facilitate coagulation.

[0068] The specified solution may be, but is not limited to, an aqueous Tween 80 solution containing egg white protein as a gelling agent and xanthan gum to enhance emulsion stability. Furthermore, emulsions are emulsions in which oil is dispersed in water and have unique physical properties and aroma component release behavior, and are used to prepare dysphagia-friendly foods that are easy to swallow and have a pleasant aroma.

[0069] Furthermore, ink 11a is not limited to containing animal proteins such as egg white protein, but may also contain plant proteins such as soy protein isolated (SPI). In addition, ink 11a may contain sugar chains, polysaccharides, etc., instead of or together with egg white protein. Examples of polysaccharides include, but are not limited to, locust bean gum (LBG) and guar gum (GG). The polysaccharide content in ink 11a is 0.1 wt% to 3.0%, and may be, for example, 0.1 wt% to 2.0 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 1.5 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 1.0 wt%, 0.1 wt% to 0.5 wt%, or 0.1 wt% to 0.3 wt%. Furthermore, the content of the mixture containing sugar chains and proteins, such as gum arabic, in the ink 11a is 25% or less, and may be, for example, 20% or less, 15% or less, 10% or less, or 5% or less.

[0070] Referring again to Figure 1, the tubular member 20 connects the pump 10 and the 3D bioprinter 70, forming a channel for supplying ink 11a from the pump 10 to the 3D bioprinter 70. The tubular member 20 is provided, for example, to pass through the applicator 50. For example, the tubular member 20 is provided to pass through the cavity resonator. The tubular member 20 is also connected to the nozzle 74 of the second stage 72.

[0071] The tubular member 20 is a hollow tube and is flexible. The tubular member 20 may be transparent or translucent. The tubular member 20 may be, for example, a silicone tube. Alternatively, the tubular member 20 may be a tube with low microwave absorption and sufficient heat resistance. A tube with sufficient heat resistance is, for example, a tube that can withstand heating by microwaves or high frequencies.

[0072] The inner and outer diameters of the tubular member 20 are not particularly limited, but for example, the inner diameter may be 2 mm and the outer diameter 4 mm. In this embodiment, since heating is performed using microwaves or high frequencies, the ink 11a can be efficiently heated even if the inner diameter is large.

[0073] The ink 11b discharged from the applicator 50 is cooled to room temperature. The first length of the tubular member 20 from the applicator 50 to the 3D bioprinter 70 is set to a length that allows the ink 11b discharged from the applicator 50 to be cooled to a desired temperature. For example, when the 3D bioprinter 70 prints using a dissolved molding composition, the first length is set shorter than when the 3D bioprinter 70 prints using a solidified molding composition. Also, for example, the first length may be longer or shorter than the second length of the tubular member 20 from the pump 10 to the applicator 50.

[0074] The electromagnetic wave generator 30 is a device that generates electromagnetic waves to solidify the ink 11a by heating. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic wave generator 30 is realized by a microwave generator that generates microwaves, or a high-frequency generator that generates high frequencies. The frequency of the microwaves is, for example, 300 MHz or more and 30 GHz or less, preferably 300 MHz or more and 10 GHz or less, and more preferably 300 MHz or more and 3 GHz or less. The frequency of the high frequencies is, for example, 3 MHz or more and less than 300 MHz, preferably 10 MHz or more and less than 300 MHz, and more preferably 20 MHz or more and less than 300 MHz.

[0075] As shown in Figure 2, MgCl2 is mainly heated by high frequencies such as 200 MHz, and egg white protein is heated by high frequencies or microwaves.

[0076] The microwave generator is configured to include an oscillator capable of controlling both low power output and frequency. In this embodiment, the microwave generator is configured to include, for example, a semiconductor oscillator that generates microwaves. As will be described in detail later, the output of the semiconductor oscillator is set according to the material of the ink 11a, etc. The output of the semiconductor oscillator is low, for example, 50W or less, preferably 40W or less, and more preferably 30W or less or 20W or less. The output of the semiconductor oscillator may also be, for example, 11W or less. By using a semiconductor oscillator, food ingredients or medical materials that need to be heated at a low temperature can be heated to an appropriate temperature with low power output. In other words, printing materials with desired physical properties can be obtained with low power output.

[0077] Referring again to Figure 1, the matching circuit 40 is a matching circuit that efficiently outputs the electromagnetic waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generator 30 to the applicator 50. The matching circuit 40 performs impedance matching between the electromagnetic wave generator 30 and the applicator 50.

[0078] The applicator 50 is installed in the middle of the flow path and solidifies the ink 11a flowing through the flow path by heating with microwaves or high-frequency waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generator 30. It can also be said that the applicator 50 heats the ink 11a by high-frequency heating or microwave heating. The applicator 50 is an example of a heating unit. The heating unit may further include the electromagnetic wave generator 30.

[0079] The applicator 50 has a cavity resonator that uses the applicator, surrounded by metal walls, as a resonator in the microwave region when heating the ink 11a by microwave heating. The applicator may be a single-mode cavity resonator or a multi-mode applicator. For example, a tubular member 20 is placed at the point of maximum electric field of the cavity resonator. In this case, the ink 11a inside the tubular member 20 is heated by microwave irradiation from all directions.

[0080] Furthermore, when the applicator 50 heats the ink 11a by high-frequency heating, it has parallel plate electrodes arranged to sandwich the tubular member 20.

[0081] Furthermore, the applicator 50 and the electromagnetic wave generator 30 may include a semiconductor oscillator and a cavity resonator or a parallel plate type applicator. When the ink 11a passes through the electric field of the cavity resonator or the parallel plate type applicator, dielectric heating (solvent such as water) or conductive heating (ions) can be induced, promoting the solidification of the gel. Using a semiconductor oscillator makes it possible to maintain low output, prevent overheating, and maintain an optimal solidification temperature.

[0082] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the applicator 50 according to this embodiment. The arrows in Figure 2 indicate the direction in which inks 11a and 11b flow.

[0083] As shown in Figure 2, the hydrogel ink (ink 11a) is heated as it passes through the applicator 50, thereby producing a solidified (gelled) hydrogel ink (ink 11b). Heating is performed at the gelation temperature or melting temperature. The gelation temperature or melting temperature depends on the hydrogel, and is exemplified by, but not limited to, around 70°C. The width of the applicator 50 should be appropriately set according to the frequency of the electromagnetic waves, etc.

[0084] The applicator 50 has a hole 51 formed in it. The hole 51 is configured to allow visibility of the portion of the tubular member 20 located inside. The shape of the hole 51 is, for example, circular, but is not limited to this, and may be rectangular. The hole 51 may not be formed at all.

[0085] The ink 11b, heated by the applicator 50, is supplied to the 3D bioprinter 70 as a printing material.

[0086] Referring again to Figure 1, the thermograph 60, also called a thermal camera, measures the temperature of the ink 11a flowing through the tubular member 20. The thermograph 60 measures at least the outlet temperature of the ink 11b when the ink 11a has passed through the applicator 50. It can also be said that the thermograph 60 measures the temperature of the ink 11b immediately after it is discharged from the applicator 50. The outlet temperature is often a temperature based on the gelation temperature, for example, a temperature of about 70°C to 80°C. The thermograph 60 may also be positioned to photograph the portion of the tubular member 20 inside the applicator 50 that is visible through the hole 51.

[0087] Figure 3 shows the temperature measurement results obtained by the thermography 60 according to this embodiment. In Figure 3, only the portion of the tubular member 20 through which the ink 11b flows is shown. The arrows in Figure 3 indicate the direction in which the inks 11a and 11b flow. In Figure 3, brighter (whiter) areas indicate higher temperatures.

[0088] As shown in Figure 3, the thermograph 60 measures the temperature of the ink 11b that has passed through the inside of the applicator 50 at the portion of the tubular member 20 that extends outside the applicator 50. Note that the thermograph 60 is not limited to measuring temperature (i.e., temperature distribution) in a planar manner, but may also measure temperature in a spot manner, for example.

[0089] The thermograph 60 is an example of a sensor that measures the outlet temperature of the ink 11b when the ink passes through the applicator 50. The supply device 100 may also be equipped with at least one of the following sensors, either in place of the thermograph 60 or together with the thermograph 60: a radiation thermometer, a thermocouple, and an optical fiber thermometer.

[0090] As described above, the supply device 100 is configured to heat the ink 11a with high frequency or microwaves to solidify the ink 11a, and then supply the solidified ink 11b to the 3D bioprinter 70 as a printing material.

[0091] Referring again to Figure 1, the 3D bioprinter 70 is a printer that produces objects such as food products by printing (for example, layering) the ink 11b, which is mainly composed of hydrogel, a printing material, supplied from a supply device 100. The 3D bioprinter 70 comprises a first stage 71, a second stage 72, a control unit 73, and a nozzle 74. The 3D bioprinter 70 is an example of a bioprinter.

[0092] The first stage 71 is a component on which ink ejected from the nozzle 74 is printed. The first stage 71 is plate-shaped (for example, flat), but its shape is not limited thereto. The first stage 71 is also configured to be movable in three dimensions relative to the second stage 72. The first stage 71 is also configured to be movable in two dimensions (for example, in mutually orthogonal first and second directions).

[0093] The second stage 72 has a nozzle 74 fixed to it that ejects ink 11b, which is mainly composed of hydrogel, a printing material, toward the first stage 71, and is configured to be movable, for example, in a one-dimensional direction (for example, in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions).

[0094] The control unit 73 is a control device that controls the first stage 71 and the second stage 72 based on control signals from the information processing device 80.

[0095] The nozzle 74 ejects the printing material supplied from the supply device 100 toward the first stage 71. The nozzle 74 is capable of ejecting ink 11b continuously, for example, in a single stroke.

[0096] The information processing device 80 is a control device that controls the operation of the 3D bioprinter 70. The information processing device 80 may also control the operation of at least one of the pump 10, the electromagnetic wave generator 30, and the thermography device 60. Furthermore, the information processing device 80 may acquire the measurement results of the thermography device 60 and adjust the operation of at least one of the pump 10 and the electromagnetic wave generator 30. The information processing device 80 can be implemented as, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, or a smartphone, but is not limited to these.

[0097] [2. Manufacturing method] Next, the method for manufacturing a molded object (in this case, a dysphagia-friendly food) produced by the 3D bioprinter system 1 configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the method for manufacturing a molded object using the 3D bioprinter system 1 according to this embodiment. Steps S10 to S40 are an example of a supply method for supplying printing material to the 3D bioprinter 70.

[0098] As shown in Figure 4, first, an ink 11a mainly composed of hydrogel is prepared (S10). The prepared ink 11a is filled into container 11. At this point, the ink 11a has not been heated (it has not yet gelled), so it is in liquid form.

[0099] Next, the pump 10 dispenses ink 11a, which is mainly composed of hydrogel (S20). This causes the ink 11a to flow into the tubular member 20.

[0100] Next, the applicator 50 solidifies the ink 11a by heating with microwaves or high-frequency waves (S30). The applicator 50 heats the ink 11a flowing through the tubular member 20 through which it is inserted.

[0101] Next, the supply device 100 supplies the ink 11b, which has been solidified by heating with microwaves or high-frequency waves, to the 3D bioprinter 70 (S40).

[0102] Next, the 3D bioprinter 70 uses the supplied ink 11b to print and create an object (in this case, a dysphagia food) (S50). For example, the hardness of the ink 11b printed in the first stage 71 is the same as or similar to the hardness after passing through the applicator 50. In other words, post-printing heating to solidify the ink 11b is unnecessary in the 3D bioprinter system 1.

[0103] [3. Various evaluations] The following sections describe various evaluations of the physical properties of the molded objects produced as described above, with reference to Figures 5A to 12. The evaluation results below show the cases where the high-frequency is 200 MHz and the microwave frequencies are 915 MHz and 2.45 GHz.

[0104] [3-1. Physical properties of hydrogels] The physical properties of the hydrogel (ink 11b above) will be explained with reference to Figures 5A to 6D.

[0105] First, we will explain the approval standards for foods for people with dysphagia. In this specification, we will use approval standards I to III, which are stipulated as "approval standards for labeling foods for people with dysphagia (including foods for thickening)" in the approval standards for labeling of foods for special dietary uses.

[0106] For each of the approval criteria I to III, hardness, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness are specified. Approval criterion I is the standard for jelly-like foods (e.g., jelly), approval criterion II is the standard for jelly-like or mousse-like foods (e.g., pudding), and approval criterion III is the standard for foods such as well-formulated porridge, soft paste, or jelly.

[0107] Hardness, adhesion, and cohesiveness are examples of physical properties. Hardness refers to mechanical hardness. Hardness indicates softness. Adhesion indicates the force with which something adheres to teeth when chewed. Cohesiveness indicates how easily something holds together in the mouth.

[0108] The hardness, adhesion, and cohesiveness of the hydrogel are measured by puncturing it twice with a 3.0 mm cylindrical plunger using a rheometer. The measurement conditions are: plunger diameter of 3.0 mm, sample (molded object) thickness of 10.0 mm, measurement strain rate of 70%, puncture speed of 10.0 mm / sec, and measurement temperature of 25 ± 1 °C.

[0109] Figure 5A shows the measurement results of hardness under different heating conditions according to this embodiment. In Figure 5A, the measurement results are shown when the ink 11a is heated to 70°C in all methods. In addition, the "normal heating" shown in Figure 5A means that heating was performed by heat transfer. The preparation was also done in a water bath.

[0110] As shown in Figure 5A, it can be seen that the hardness is improved in all cases compared to normal heating. In particular, at 200 MHz, the hardness is about four times that of normal heating. It can also be seen that 200 MHz meets licensing criterion III, while normal heating, 915 MHz, and 2.45 GHz meet licensing criterion I. Hardness tends to increase as the frequency decreases, and hardness can be controlled by adjusting the frequency. For example, it is possible to make the fabricated object hard to the desired degree by heating it using a high-frequency or microwave frequency that results in the desired hardness.

[0111] Next, we will explain water retention capacity. Water retention capacity is one example of a physical property. Water retention capacity is calculated by centrifuging a hydrogel at 10,000 × g at 4°C for 10 minutes, determining its weight, and substituting it into the following equation 1.

[0112] Water retention capacity (WHC) (%) = (Weight of precipitate / Weight of original gel) × 100 (Equation 1) Figure 5B shows the measurement results of water retention capacity under different heating conditions according to this embodiment.

[0113] As shown in Figure 5B, it can be seen that the water retention capacity is improved at 200 MHz and 915 MHz compared to normal heating. In particular, at 200 MHz, the water retention capacity is about 1.4 times that of normal heating. Water retention capacity tends to improve as the frequency decreases, and it is possible to control the water retention capacity by adjusting the frequency. For example, it is possible to achieve the desired water retention capacity of the fabricated object by heating it using a high-frequency or microwave frequency that provides the desired water retention capacity.

[0114] Furthermore, the water retention capacity of the heated hydrogel (hydrogel after gelation) may be, for example, 60% or more, 65% or more, or 80% or more.

[0115] Figure 6A shows a cryo-SEM image of the gelled hydrogel according to a comparative example. Figure 6A shows a cryo-SEM image of the gelled hydrogel produced by heat transfer heating. Figure 6B shows a cryo-SEM image of the gelled hydrogel according to this embodiment when high-frequency heating (200 MHz) is performed. Figure 6C shows a cryo-SEM image of the gelled hydrogel according to this embodiment when microwave heating (915 MHz) is performed. Figure 6D shows a cryo-SEM image of the gelled hydrogel according to this embodiment when microwave heating (2.45 GHz) is performed.

[0116] As shown in Figures 6A to 6D, the hydrogel heated at 200 MHz formed thicker fibers compared to the gel heated under normal conditions, and the hydrogels heated at 915 MHz and 2.45 GHz. The average fiber thickness was approximately 40 μm for normal heating, approximately 133 μm for 200 MHz, approximately 75 μm for 915 MHz, and approximately 67 μm for 2.45 GHz.

[0117] Heating at 200MHz is thought to effectively promote protein aggregation, leading to the formation of thick fibers. These thick fibers are believed to contribute to the improved hardness and water retention capacity at 200MHz.

[0118] In this way, the supply device 100 can improve the water retention capacity of the hydrogel by heating it in the applicator 50.

[0119] [3-2. Denaturation of proteins in hydrogels after gelation] Next, the denaturation of proteins in the hydrogel after gelation will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 shows the results of evaluating the denaturation of proteins in the hydrogel after gelation according to this embodiment. Figure 7 shows the DSC results of the hydrogel after gelation. The vertical axis shows the amount of heat (mW) obtained by DSC, and the horizontal axis shows the temperature (°C).

[0120] As shown in Figure 7, peaks are observed for normal heating and heating at 2.45 GHz, indicating that some proteins remain undenatured above 70°C even after heating. In contrast, no peaks are observed for heating at 200 MHz or 915 MHz, indicating that all proteins are denatured by heating. Egg white protein contains multiple proteins, and the peak around 61°C is thought to be the coagulation heat of ovotransferrin, while the peak around 80°C is thought to be the coagulation heat of ovalbumin.

[0121] Ovotransferrin required 0.03 mJ / mg of endothermic energy for denaturation in the hydrogel ink, but no endothermic energy was required for denaturation in the hydrogel after gelation. Similarly, ovalbumin required 0.51 mJ / mg of endothermic energy for denaturation in the hydrogel ink, but this was 0.30 mJ / mg under normal heating conditions and 0.20 mJ / mg under heating at 2.45 GHz. These results suggest that the energy required for denaturation is lower after gelation than before gelation, and furthermore, at 200 MHz and 915 MHz, it is thought that protein denaturation and aggregation led to the formation of a network structure.

[0122] [3-3. Confirmation of Selective Heating by Frequency] Next, the confirmation of selective heating by frequency will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the microwave absorption characteristics of the sample according to this embodiment. Figure 8 shows the results of the microwave absorption characteristics of the components contained in the hydrogel after gelation. The vertical axis shows the dielectric loss tangent, and the horizontal axis shows the frequency (GHz). The dielectric loss tangent is calculated by dividing the lost energy by the stored energy.

[0123] As shown in Figure 8, hydrogel ink, a 2% MgCl2 aqueous solution, and a 7.5% egg white protein (EP) aqueous solution exhibit higher microwave absorption characteristics at lower frequencies compared to ultrapure water, due to ionic conductivity loss. This microwave absorption is caused by ionic conductivity loss. Furthermore, egg white protein and MgCl2 show high responsiveness to microwaves at 200 MHz. This means that by using 200 MHz, egg white protein and MgCl2 can be selectively heated. By selectively and directly heating egg white protein and MgCl2, endothermic thermal denaturation of the proteins is promoted, and it is thought that the firmness and water retention capacity of the hydrogel after gelation are improved due to stronger aggregation of egg white protein by MgCl2.

[0124] Furthermore, by using 2.45 GHz, water can be selectively heated.

[0125] [3-4. Flow Rate and Heating Conditions] Next, the flow rate and heating conditions will be explained with reference to Figures 9 to 12. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the outlet temperature of the heated section (applicator 50) of the gelled hydrogel according to this embodiment for each heating condition. Figures 10A to 10E are diagrams showing the printed state of the hydrogel according to this embodiment when the output of the microwave heating device is 8 to 12 W. The heating conditions include the flow rate and the output of the microwave heating device. The flow rates include 100 μL / min, 200 μL / min, 500 μL / min, and 1000 μL / min. The residence time of the ink 11a in the applicator 50 changes depending on the flow rate. The output of the microwave heating device includes 8 W, 9 W, 10 W, 11 W, and 12 W. Note that in Figures 9 to 10E, a 2.45 GHz microwave is used for heating. The operating speed of the 3D bioprinter 70 is 0.5 cm / s.

[0126] As shown in Figure 9, when the flow rate is 1000 μL / min, the heating time inside the applicator 50 is shortened, so the outlet temperature tends to be lower. As shown in Figure 10E, at 12W, the shape of the vortex-shaped object is distorted (moldability is reduced) compared to Figures 10A to 10D. As shown in Figures 9 and 10E, at 12W, the ink 11a does not reach its gelation temperature. Therefore, a flow rate slower than 1000 μL / min is preferable.

[0127] Furthermore, at flow rates of 100 μL / min and 200 μL / min, although the outlet temperature reaches the gelation temperature, the flow rate is too slow, which may cause the gel to break or clog within the tubular member 20 (e.g., the tube), altering the flow rate. Therefore, the flow rate should be faster than 200 μL / min and slower than 1000 μL / min. For example, a flow rate of 500 μL / min is preferable.

[0128] Figure 11 shows the outlet temperature at the heating section (applicator 50) of the gelled hydrogel according to this embodiment, for each output of the heating device, when high-frequency heating (200 MHz) is performed at a flow rate of 500 μL / min. In Figure 11, 200 MHz is used for heating. The vertical axis of Figure 11 represents temperature, and the horizontal axis represents the output of the semiconductor oscillator.

[0129] As shown in Figure 11, the outlet temperature tends to be high when the output is 12W. High output can cause the gel to solidify too much, resulting in intermittent ink (poor moldability). Therefore, when the flow rate is 500 μL / min, the output should be 11W or less. Alternatively, when the flow rate is 500 μL / min, the output may be between 8W and 11W.

[0130] Figure 12 shows that the hardness of the hydrogel after gelation is improved by high-frequency heating (200 MHz). The vertical axis of Figure 12 represents hardness, and the horizontal axis represents the high-frequency and microwave frequencies and the output of the semiconductor oscillator. The measurement conditions are the same as those used in Figure 5A.

[0131] As shown in Figure 12, it can be seen that the 200MHz output is stiffer than the 2.45GHz output for each power level. Therefore, when a stiff object is desired, it is advisable to use high frequencies such as 200MHz.

[0132] Here, the results of further investigations into cations that can be used in the supply device 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a diagram showing another example of the microwave absorption characteristics of a sample according to this embodiment. Figure 13 shows the results of the microwave absorption characteristics of a 1% cation aqueous solution. The vertical axis represents the dielectric loss tangent, and the horizontal axis represents the frequency (GHz). The dielectric loss tangent is calculated by dividing the lost energy by the stored energy. In Figure 13, MgCl2 shows the results of the microwave absorption characteristics of a cation aqueous solution containing 1% MgCl2 (1% MgCl2 aqueous solution). The same applies to CaCl2, KCl, and FeSO4.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 13, it can be seen that each of the 1% MgCl2 aqueous solution, 1% CaCl2 aqueous solution, 1% KCl aqueous solution, and 1% FeSO4 aqueous solution has higher microwave absorption characteristics on the low-frequency side than ultrapure water due to conductive loss caused by ions. Such absorption of microwaves is caused by conductive loss due to ions. Also, at 200 MHz, the responsiveness of MgCl2 and KCl to microwaves is particularly high. That is, by using 200 MHz, MgCl2 and KCl can be effectively selectively heated.

[0134] Thus, according to FIG. 13, as cations contained in the ink, K, which is a monovalent cation + , Mg, which is a divalent cation 2+ , Ca 2+ , Fe 2+ can be used. K represents potassium, Mg represents magnesium, Ca represents calcium, and Fe represents iron. Note that the monovalent cation is not limited to being K + , and it may be a monovalent ion other than K + . The monovalent and divalent here indicate the valence at the time of preparation of the ink 11a (that is, before heating by microwaves or high frequencies).

[0135] Also, the cation contained in the ink may be a trivalent cation. For example, Fe is divalent at the time of preparation, but can take a trivalent form by being oxidized during heating by microwaves. Thus, the cation contained in the ink may be an ion that can take at least one valence of monovalent, divalent, and trivalent during preparation or during heating by microwaves or high frequencies.

[0136] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the supply device 100 and the like according to one or more aspects have been described based on the embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. As long as the gist of the present disclosure is not deviated from, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art applied to this embodiment or forms constructed by combining components in different embodiments may also be included in the present disclosure.

[0137] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the high frequency is 200 MHz was explained using data, but the inventors of this application have confirmed that the ink 11a solidifies even when the frequency is 27 MHz. For example, it is thought that solidification will occur similarly even in the range of 3 MHz to less than 300 MHz. Also, in the above embodiment, the cases where the microwave frequencies are 915 MHz and 2.45 GHz were explained using data, but it is thought that solidification will occur similarly even in the range of 300 MHz to 30 GHz. As shown in Figure 8, lower frequencies are more efficient for heating ions and solidifying the material.

[0138] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the ink 11a includes an emulsion, it does not necessarily have to contain an emulsion. In other words, the ink 11a does not have to contain any fragrance components.

[0139] Furthermore, the food ingredients or medical materials in the above embodiments may include, for example, fibrous materials. The fibrous materials may be, for example, plant fibers mainly composed of cellulose such as cellulose nanofibers, or other fibrous materials.

[0140] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which the food raw material or medical material includes a hydrogel that solidifies or dissolves upon heating, it is not limited to this, and may also include, for example, a hydrogel that solidifies or dissolves upon cooling. In this case, the supply device 100 may be equipped with a cooling unit in place of the heating unit, or together with the heating unit. For example, the supply device 100 may be equipped with a heating and cooling unit that can perform at least one of heating and cooling, instead of a heating unit.

[0141] Furthermore, the 3D bioprinter system 1 according to the above embodiment can also be described as a food printing system when it is used to print food such as dysphagia-friendly foods. The 3D bioprinter 70 can also be referred to as a bio 3D printer or a food 3D printer.

[0142] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which the bioprinter system is a 3D bioprinter system 1 equipped with a 3D bioprinter 70, it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be a 2D bioprinter system including a 2D bioprinter, or a 1D bioprinter system equipped with a 1D printer.

[0143] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which the bioprinter system comprises one bioprinter, the system is not limited to this, and may comprise, for example, two or more bioprinters. For example, one object may be manufactured by two or more bioprinters. In this case, printing material is supplied to at least one of the two or more bioprinters by the supply method of this disclosure.

[0144] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which a supply device supplies printing material to a bioprinter, it is not limited to this, and for example, printing material may be supplied to a printer that manufactures industrial products (e.g., a 3D printer). In this case, the supply device heats a material appropriate to the industrial product (e.g., a resin material) with microwaves or high-frequency waves, and supplies the material solidified or melted by heating to the printer. For example, the supply device is a supply device that supplies printing material to a printer, comprising a pump that sends out ink mainly composed of an organic material, a flow path for supplying the ink sent out from the pump to the printer, and a heating unit provided in the middle of the flow path that solidifies the ink flowing through the flow path by heating with microwaves or high-frequency waves, and supplies the ink solidified or melted by the heating unit to the printer as the printing material.

[0145] Furthermore, while the above embodiment showed the results when the ink 11a contains emulsion-containing egg white protein, the inventors of the present invention have confirmed that gel formation is also successful when the ink 11a contains emulsion-containing soy protein.

[0146] Furthermore, the numerical values ​​described in the above embodiment may be statistical values ​​such as the mean, maximum, minimum, median, and mode. For example, the output (W) may be a statistical value of the output over a predetermined period. Also, the output (W) may be a value at any given timing. The same applies to the microwave and high-frequency values.

[0147] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be implemented by being composed of dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0148] Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure may be a computer program that causes a computer to perform each characteristic step included in the manufacturing method (or supply method) shown in Figure 4.

[0149] Furthermore, for example, the program may be a program to be executed by a computer. Also, in one aspect of this disclosure, such a program may be recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium. For example, such a program may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed or made available. For example, by installing the distributed program on a device having another processor and having that processor execute the program, it becomes possible to have that device perform the above-mentioned processes.

[0150] Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure may be an ink used in the supply device, etc., as described in the above embodiment. Such an ink mainly contains a food ingredient or medical material containing a hydrogel that solidifies or dissolves upon heating, and further contains ions. The ions include monovalent or divalent cations, for example, Mg 2+ Ca 2+ Zn 2+ Fe 2+ , K +It includes at least one of the following. When such inks are used in a supply device, the physical properties of the printing material supplied to the bioprinter can be easily adjusted.

[0151] Furthermore, each step in the manufacturing method of the molded object described in the above embodiment may be carried out as a single step or as separate steps. "Carried out as a single step" means that each step is carried out using a single device, that each step is carried out consecutively, or that each step is carried out in the same location. "Separate steps" means that each step is carried out using a different device, that each step is carried out at a different time (e.g., on a different day), or that each step is carried out in a different location. [Industrial applicability]

[0152] This disclosure is useful for supply devices and the like that that supply printing materials to bioprinters. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0153] 1. 3D Bioprinter System 10 pumps 11 Container 11a, 11b ink 20 Tubular member 30 Electromagnetic wave generator 40 Matching box 50 Applicator (heating section) 51 holes 60 Thermographic (sensor) 70 3D Bioprinters 71 Stage 1 72 Stage 2 73 Control Unit 74 nozzles 80 Information Processing Device 100 Feeding device

Claims

1. A supply device for supplying printing materials to a bioprinter, A pump that dispenses ink mainly composed of food ingredients or medical materials containing organic matter, A flow path for supplying the ink sent from the pump to the bioprinter, The system includes a heating unit provided in the middle of the flow path, which solidifies the ink flowing through the flow path by heating with microwaves or high-frequency waves, The ink solidified by the heating unit is supplied to the bioprinter as the printing material. Feeding device.

2. The heating unit has a semiconductor oscillator that generates microwaves. The supply device according to claim 1.

3. The output of the semiconductor oscillator is 50W or less. The supply device according to claim 2.

4. The heating unit solidifies the food raw material or medical material by heating with microwaves. The frequency of the microwave is between 300 MHz and 30 GHz. The supply device according to claim 1.

5. The heating unit solidifies the food raw material or medical material by heating with high frequency. The frequency of the aforementioned high-frequency is 3 MHz or more and less than 300 MHz. The supply device according to claim 1.

6. The system includes a sensor for measuring the outlet temperature of the ink when it passes through the heating section. The supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The supply device improves the water retention capacity of the food raw material or medical material by heating the heating section. The supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The aforementioned food ingredient or medical material includes a hydrogel that solidifies or dissolves upon heating. The supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The aforementioned food ingredient includes, as a paste-like food ingredient, at least one of cookie dough, chocolate, vegetable paste, cultured meat, and alternative meat. The supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. The aforementioned food ingredient or medical material includes at least one of the following: starch gel, glucomannan, egg white / milk protein gel, sodium alginate, gelatin gel, κ-carrageenan gel, and xanthan gum and locust bean gum gel. The supply device according to claim 8.

11. Furthermore, it includes a container for storing the ink, The pump sends the ink from the container into the flow path. The supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. The aforementioned food ingredient or medical material contains ions. The supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

13. The ion comprises a monovalent, divalent, or trivalent cation. The supply device according to claim 12.

14. The aforementioned food ingredients or medical materials include fibrous materials. The supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

15. The bioprinter is a bioprinter for producing at least one of sweets, dysphagia foods, artificial meat, cultured meat, cell layers, artificial tissues, and organs. The supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

16. The supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The bioprinter is supplied with the printing material from the supply device, The aforementioned bioprinter, Stage 1 and The system comprises a second stage having a nozzle for discharging the printing material toward the first stage, The first stage and the second stage are relatively movable in a three-dimensional direction. Bioprinter system.

17. A method for supplying printing materials to a bioprinter, Dispensing inks whose main components are food ingredients or medical materials containing organic matter, In the middle of the channel for supplying the extruded ink to the bioprinter, the ink is solidified by heating with microwaves or high-frequency waves. The ink solidified by the aforementioned heating is supplied to the bioprinter as the printing material. Supply method.

18. A molded object is produced by printing the printing material supplied by the supply method described in claim 17 using the bioprinter. Manufacturing method.

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