Bio Extruder Assembly

Abstract

A bio-extruder assembly is disclosed that can be "retrofitted" to an existing three-dimensional (3D) printer to enable printing of biomaterials. The bio-extruder assembly can be modular and stand-alone, configured as a "plug-and-play" unit. In some embodiments, the bio-extruder assembly can be configured for use in a weightless environment, such as outer space, and can be configured to engage an existing 3D printer in space. In some embodiments, the bio-extruder assembly includes an extruder configured to extrude biomaterial stored in a syringe coupled to the extruder and a transducer. The transducer can include an electromechanical coupling component coupling the transducer to a three-dimensional printer system and a motor configured to actuate the extrusion of the biomaterial stored in the syringe based on a signal received from the three-dimensional printing system via the electromechanical coupling component. In some embodiments, the transducer can be configured to be reversibly attached to the extruder via an attachment element.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This disclosure is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 053,000, entitled "Bioextruder Assembly," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] Additionally, the contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 128,632, entitled "Methods, devices, and systems for the fabrication of materials and tissues utilizing electromagnetic radiation," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 945,435, entitled "Multi-headed auto-calibrating bioprinter with heads that heat, cool, and crosslink," are both incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to devices capable of printing three-dimensional (3D) biological structures. [Background technology]

[0004] Three-dimensional (3D) printers have been used to print biological tissues, organs, etc. However, in many environments, it can be difficult to locate new 3D printers capable of printing biological structures. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] raw It would be difficult to place a new 3D printer capable of printing physical structures in space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure describes a bio-extruder assembly that can be used to retrofit existing three-dimensional (3D) printers to enable printing of biomaterials. The bio-extruder assembly can be modular and stand-alone and can be configured as a "plug and play" unit. The bio-extruder assembly can be configured to engage with existing 3D printers.

[0007] In some embodiments, the bio-extruder assembly can be configured for use in a weightless environment, such as in outer space.

[0008] In some embodiments, the bio-extruder assembly includes an extruder and a transducer. The extruder can be configured to extrude a biomaterial stored in a syringe coupled to the extruder. The transducer can include an electromechanical coupling to a three-dimensional printer system and a motor configured to actuate the extrusion of the biomaterial stored in the syringe based on one or more signals received from the three-dimensional printing system via the electromechanical coupling. Further, the transducer can be configured to be reversibly attached to the extruder via the attachment interface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the disclosed converters can be used to enable extruders from various manufacturers to interface with three dimensional printing systems made by other manufacturers.

[0010] In some embodiments, the bio-extruder assembly can include an extruder configured to extrude the biomaterial stored in the syringe, the extruder coupled to the syringe, and a transducer, the transducer having an electromechanical coupling component coupling the transducer to a three-dimensional printer system, and a motor configured to actuate the extrusion of the biomaterial stored in the syringe based on one or more signals received from the three-dimensional printing system via the electromechanical coupling component. In some embodiments, the transducer can be configured to be reversibly attached to the extruder via an attachment element. The attachment element can include one or more magnetic pins. Alternatively, the attachment element can include a first end spaced apart from a second end, the first end configured to engage a thread of the motor, and the second end having a cutout configured to engage an apex end of the syringe. In some embodiments, the attachment element includes a plunger configured to compress the spring along a seat of the transducer. In some embodiments, the electromechanical coupling component transmits at least one of one or more signals, power, and extruder status received from the three-dimensional printing system between the three-dimensional printing system and the extruder. The transducer can include a metal rod configured to engage the extruder. The extruder can be configured to generate pressure using at least one of a piston, compressed gas, water pressure, an air compressor, a piezoelectric device, and inkjet dispensing extrusion. The extruder can also include a light emitting diode configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of 405 nanometers or greater. The transducer can be configured to electromechanically interface with a plurality of three-dimensional printers.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method of bioprinting can include loading biomaterial into a syringe, inserting the syringe into an extruder, engaging the extruder with a transducer electromechanically coupled to the three-dimensional printer, receiving a print plan for the extruder from the three-dimensional printing system at a motor of the extruder, and extruding the contents of the syringe according to the received print plan. Engaging the extruder with the transducer can include engaging a spring latch mechanism by connecting an attachment element of the transducer to the syringe. In some embodiments, the print plan can be generated based on commands received from the three-dimensional printing system and data corresponding to the extruder-transducer assembly. In some embodiments, engaging the extruder with the transducer can include engaging a magnetic connection between the extruder and the transducer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the transducer includes an electromechanical coupling component coupling the transducer to a three-dimensional printer system, a motor configured to actuate extrusion of a biomaterial stored in the syringe based on one or more signals received from the three-dimensional printing system via the electromechanical coupling component, and an attachment element configured to reversibly attach the transducer to an extruder having the syringe. In some embodiments, the attachment element includes one or more magnetic pins. The attachment element can include a first end spaced from a second end, the first end configured to engage threads of the motor of the extruder, and the second end having a cutout configured to engage an apex of the syringe on the extruder. The attachment element can also include a plunger configured to compress the spring along a receiving seat of the transducer. The electromechanical coupling component can be configured to transmit at least one of the one or more signals received from the three-dimensional printing system, power, and a state of the extruder between the three-dimensional printing system and the extruder engaged with the transducer. In some embodiments, the converter includes at least one of a metal rod and a metal seat configured to engage the extruder. In some embodiments, the converter is configured to electromechanically communicate with a plurality of three dimensional printers.

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates an extruder according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 illustrates an extruder and syringe according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 1C]FIG. 1 illustrates an extruder and syringe according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 1D] FIG. 2 illustrates an extruder and converter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 1E] FIG. 2 illustrates an extruder and converter assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 1F] FIG. 2 illustrates an extruder and converter assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates an attachment element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 illustrates an extruder and converter assembly in a first state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 illustrates an extruder and converter assembly in a second state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates components of an extruder and converter assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 illustrates components of an extruder and converter assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 5B] 1A-1D illustrate a transducer element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates a mounting element for an extruder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] [Figure 6B] 1A-1D illustrate mounting elements for a transducer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a first printed material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 8] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a second printed material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods related to three-dimensional bioprinting. As used herein, "bioprining" or "printing" can refer to the three-dimensional precision deposition of cells and / or other substances and materials using an automated, computer-aided, three-dimensional prototyping device (e.g., a bioprinter). The present disclosure is directed to an extruder assembly capable of converting an existing 3D printer into a bioprinter.

[0031] The bioprinter and associated components, such as the printer bed, receiving means, cartridge, dispensing means, extrusion means, electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source, optical devices, and software, are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 128,632, entitled "Methods, devices, and systems for the fabrication of materials and tissues utilizing electromagnetic radiation," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 945,435, entitled "Multi-headed auto-calibrating bioprinter with heads that heat, cool, and crosslink," both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0032] The present disclosure describes a bio-extruder assembly that can be used to "retrofit" existing three-dimensional (3D) printers to enable them to print biomaterials. For example, the bio-extruder assembly can be used to retrofit 3D printers that are only capable of printing plastic materials. The bio-extruder assembly can be modular and stand-alone, and can be configured as a "plug and play" unit. For example, being able to print biological structures in space could be an advantage due to the lack of gravity, but currently the International Space Station is not equipped with a 3D printer capable of printing biological structures. In some embodiments, the bio-extruder assembly can be configured for use in a weightless environment, such as outer space, and can be configured to engage existing 3D printers in space.

[0033] It may be desirable to print biomaterials in space to study the effects of gravity on biological structures and to carry out scientific experiments. For example, being able to print biomaterials in space could allow scientists and engineers to better understand how bones grow and tissues organize in the absence of gravity.

[0034] In some embodiments, the bio-extruder assembly includes an extruder and a transducer. The extruder can be configured to extrude a biomaterial stored in a syringe coupled to the extruder. The transducer can include an electromechanical coupling to a three-dimensional printer system and a motor configured to actuate the extrusion of the biomaterial stored in the syringe based on one or more signals received from the three-dimensional printing system via the electromechanical coupling. Further, the transducer can be configured to be reversibly attached to the extruder via the attachment interface.

[0035] In some embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods can be configured to allow existing bioprinters or 3D printers to be adapted for bioprinting using new biomaterial extruders. For example, a unique extruder can be adapted to a bioprinter having a different electronic or software configuration. Exemplary extruders can include cells or biomaterials, or any combination thereof.

[0036] Exemplary printers can include conventional three-dimensional printers, bioprinters from different manufacturers, three-dimensional bioprinters, and the like.

[0037] 1A-1F show an extruder 101, a syringe 105, and / or a converter 109 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The extruder 101 can be configured to extrude and harden a biomaterial according to a technique for bioprinting. The extruder can include one or more extruder heads, heating and / or cooling elements, LED lights configured to harden the printed object, and an opening configured to receive the syringe and / or the material for bioprinting. In some embodiments, the syringe and / or the material for bioprinting can be removable from the extruder assembly.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1A, the extruder 101 can include an opening 103 configured to receive a syringe. In some embodiments, the extruder 101 can be preloaded with a syringe having biomaterial, eliminating the need for a user of the bio-extruder assembly to load the syringe with biomaterial. In this way, the bio-extruder assembly can be a "plug and play" system.

[0039] In some embodiments, the extruder 101 can include multiple extruder heads, each configured to heat or cool the biomaterial. For example, in some embodiments, the extruder 101 can be configured to heat the material to 160 degrees Celsius and then cool the material to 4 degrees Celsius upon hardening.

[0040] Additionally, the extruder 101 can be configured with a light emitting diode (LED) positioned at the bottom of the extruder 101 configured to apply a suitable wavelength to cure the material 107 extruded from the extruder 101. In some embodiments, the suitable wavelength can be 365 nm or 405 nm. In some embodiments, visible blue light can be used to rapidly cure the biomaterial without damaging the cells.

[0041] In some embodiments, the extruder 101 can be heated to between room temperature and 400 degrees Celsius, cooled to between room temperature and -10 degrees Celsius, or can use light waves in the UV or visible spectrum to dispense and crosslink the material 107.

[0042] In some embodiments, the extruder 101 can be configured for use on a space station. In some embodiments, the extruder 101 can be configured to be attached to a converter 109 to form an extruder-converter assembly 117 that can interface with any type of 3D printer. For example, the 3D printer can be located on the International Space Station or another space station. For example, the extruder can be configured to interface with a 3D printer made by another manufacturer.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1B, the syringe 105 can include one or more materials 107 configured to be bioprinted. Exemplary materials 107 can include hydrogels or biocompatible pastes, whether or not mixed with biological cells. Alternatively, the material 107 can be cells, growth factors, and / or cytokines. The material 107 can be one or more of hydrogels, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA), Pluronic® F-127, polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), collagen, collagen methacrylate (CMA), fibrin, hyaluronic acid, growth factors (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)), cryopreservation additives (e.g., sugars) for preserving cells in flight, live cells (i.e., human, plant, or animal cells), and the like. In some embodiments, the material 107 (or the extruder 101, the syringe 105, and / or the transducer 109) may be shipped in a cryogenically stored container to preserve the material 107 and protect it from stresses experienced during transportation of the material 107 to the space station.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1C, a syringe 105 can be loaded into the extruder 101. In some embodiments, the extruder 101 can be provided to a user of the bio-extruder assembly with the syringe 105 pre-loaded in the extruder 101.

[0045] FIG. 1D illustrates an extruder 101 and a transducer 109 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The transducer 109 can include a housing 109 that includes a motor that drives a piston 115. The piston 115 can be configured to drive the movement of a syringe 105 contained within the extruder 101. In particular, the piston 115 can actuate a plunger of the syringe 105. In some embodiments, the system can utilize at least one of compressed air, inkjet, or piezoelectric to drive the dispensing of the material 107 from the extruder. In this manner, the piston 115 can control the extrusion of the material 107.

[0046] The transducer 109 can also include an attachment element 113 driven by the piston 115, the attachment element 113 configured to be attached to the syringe 105. In some embodiments, the attachment element 113 can include a metal adapter. In some embodiments, the attachment element 113 can be configured to be capable of rotating 360 degrees.

[0047] Additionally, the converter 109 can include an attachment interface 111 configured to engage the converter 109 to the extruder 101. In some embodiments, the attachment interface 111 can include one or more clips, tracks, locks, etc., such that the converter and extruder can be slidably engaged and locked together to form an extruder-converter assembly 117 as shown in FIG. 1E. Although a slidable attachment interface 111 is described herein, any suitable attachment interface is possible. In some embodiments, the attachment interface 111 can include a click-on rail connector.

[0048] The transducer 109 can include an electromechanical coupling component (e.g., a controller area network (CAN) bus) that couples the transducer 109 to a 3D printer system. The electromechanical coupling component can enable the exchange of power and data between the transducer 109 and the 3D printer system. In some embodiments, the electromechanical coupling component can receive one or more signals from the 3D printer system configured to control operation of a motor of the transducer 109 and actuate the extrusion of the material 107 stored in the syringe 105.

[0049] After the transducer 109 is attached to the extruder 101 by the attachment interface 111, the attachment element 113 can be configured to engage the syringe 105.

[0050] The extruder-converter assembly 117 can then be placed into a three dimensional (3D) printer (e.g., MadeInSpace's Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF)).

[0051] The extruder-transducer assembly 117 can be attached to an external printer, i.e., a 3D printer that is not originally configured for use with an extruder. For example, the transducer can interface with the external printer, thereby enabling the exchange of power, data, and the extrusion step via electrical output. In some embodiments, the transducer can interface with the external printer by mechanical means, such as a magnet with locating pins, a spring latch mechanism, etc.

[0052] FIG. 2 provides an illustration of an exemplary mounting element and mounting interface, such as mounting element 113 and mounting interface 111 of FIG. 1. For example, in some embodiments, mounting element 201 can be constructed from 6061 aluminum. In another embodiment, mounting element 201 can be constructed from a durable plastic. One side 203 of mounting element 201 can be configured to attach to a nut of a lead screw 207 on an extrusion motor. On the other side 205 of mounting element 201, mounting element 201 can be configured to have a cutout slot 209 configured to engage a syringe plunger flange 211. Cutout slot 209 can be further configured to fix plunger 211 in position relative to a vertical axis and inhibit rotation of the syringe. In response, the motor is activated to move mounting element 201 and plunger 211 downward.

[0053] 3A and 3B provide cross-sectional views of the assembly. For example, FIG. 3A shows when the converter and extruder are disconnected. FIG. 3B shows when the converter and extruder are engaged. In particular, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the plunger 301 is depressed, it can push the latch 303 against the spring 305, compressing the spring and thus allowing the latch to move vertically downward past the brass seat. In some embodiments, the plunger can include a metal tab. In some embodiments, the latch 303 can be constructed of brass. In some embodiments, the seat can be attached to the rear piece of the converter. When the plunger 301 is released, it can bias the spring 305 to extend, thus forcing the latch 303 behind the seat, so that the latch 303 is engaged and the extruder assembly is secured to the converter, as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0054] 4 provides a second view of the assembly discussed herein. As shown, the extruder 401 is in a separated state from the transducer 405. A plunger 403 similar to the plunger 301 of FIG. 3 is shown. The extruder 401 includes a syringe 413 configured to hold a biomaterial. The top end of the syringe 413 is configured to engage a cutout 409 of an attachment element 407, similar to that shown in FIG. 3. As shown, a second end of the attachment element 407 is proximate to a screw of the extrusion motor 411.

[0055] The plunger 403 can be depressed to disengage the latch to engage the extruder 401 with the transducer 405. A groove on the bottom rear face of the extruder 401 can be aligned with a horizontal metal rod positioned on the transducer 405.

[0056] 5A and 5B provide additional views of the extruder and converter assembly. In particular, FIG. 5A shows the extruder 501 rotating away from the converter 503 towards the user of the device. To secure the extruder 501 to the converter 503, the plunger 505 can be pushed substantially downwards to disengage the latch. The extruder 501 can be pushed so that the groove on the bottom of the rear face of the extruder 501 aligns with the horizontal metal rod 507 on the converter 503 so that the rear face of the extruder is parallel to the inner face of the converter 503. When aligned, the plunger can be released, allowing the spring (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) to push the plunger up and engage the latch with a receiving seat inside the rear piece of the converter 503. As a result of the process described, the extruder 501 and converter 503 are secured together. To release the extruder 501 from the converter 503, the plunger can be pushed down to disengage the latch. As shown in FIG. 5A, the extruder 501 can be rotated and / or pulled in a direction substantially towards the user, thus allowing the extruder to pivot on the horizontal rod 507 and releasing the extruder from the extruder-converter assembly.

[0057] FIG. 5B provides a view of the inside of the back piece of transducer 503 with rod 507 and brass seat 509.

[0058] Alternative mechanisms for attaching the extruder to the converter are shown in Figures 6A and 6B. For example, the attachment mechanism between the extruder 601 and converter 603 can include a magnetic interface. In some embodiments, the magnetic interface can include, for example, two alignment pins (e.g., one round shaped pin, one diamond shaped pin) configured for alignment. In some embodiments, the alignment pins can be constructed from metal. In some embodiments, the alignment pins can be located on the back piece of the converter 603, and the extruder 601 can have a corresponding hemispherical cutout where they fit. Figure 6A shows an example of a converter interface, and Figure 6B shows an example of an interface on an extruder.

[0059] As described herein, the extruder can be connected to a connector, which is configured to mount the extruder-connector assembly to an external printer. Data that can be exchanged from the external printer to the attached extruder includes CAN protocol messages for setting temperature set points and crosslink strength, exchanging temperature feedback, and the like. The extruder-connector assembly can interface with the external printer using an electrical interface. In some embodiments, the electrical interface can include spring-loaded pogo pins that transmit power and data. A user of the external printer can control the extrusion of biomaterial using the extrusion. For example, a user can control the extrusion of biomaterial using the original interface of the external printer, such as by specifying a print path or distance that the extrusion motor can travel to move a particular volume of material. The original interface of the external printer can include a graphical user interface configured to receive instructions from a user of the external printer and create and send custom G-code commands and print files to the external printer for controlling the operation of the external printer. The print files and associated commands provided by the external printer can be modified to fit the extruder-connector assembly. For example, the commands can be modified to allow for modified extrusion speeds and temperature ranges. For example, when a G-code file is read into the device, it may be necessary to post-process the received print file to work with additional printing devices to handle cross-linking features and convert the volume per motor step of an extrusion motor.

[0060] The systems and methods described herein can be used to attach a non-compatible extruder to a printer. In some embodiments, the material for printing, such as a biomaterial, can be loaded into a syringe and then inserted into the extruder. A plunger and a stopper can be utilized to attach the extruder to a connector by a spring latch mechanism. In a next step, a mounting element can be connected to the syringe plunger flange. In a next step, a needle can be attached to the bottom of the syringe. The printer can then be started with the appropriate parameters for temperature and bridging elements set and the printing surface calibrated. The post-processed G-code file can then be loaded into the printer and printing can be performed.

[0061] The extruder-transducer assemblies described herein can be used to print a variety of structures and patterns, cellular or not. For example, bioprinting materials can be extruded in the absence of gravity, allowing biomaterials or cell-loaded hydrogels to be printed in 3D printing patterns.

[0062] For example, Figure 7 shows an example of a first printed material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 7 shows a lattice bio-printed from Pluronic.

[0063] Figure 8 shows an example of a second printed material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, Figure 8 shows a line printed with gelatin methacrylate with encapsulated fibroblasts.

[0064] Exemplary materials that can be printed by the above-described systems and methods include bone, linear fibers, liver tissue, layered tissue, circular patches, vascularized tissue, cardiac tissue, cartilage, etc. In some embodiments, the printed materials can form shapes under gravity-free conditions that are useful for scientific applications.

[0065] While the present disclosure may provide a sequence of steps, it is understood that in some embodiments additional steps may be added, steps described may be omitted, etc. Additionally, the sequence of steps described may be performed in any suitable order.

[0066] Although exemplary embodiments are described herein, the scope of the present specification encompasses any and all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., aspects across various embodiments), adaptations, and / or alterations that would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art based on this disclosure. For example, the number and orientation of components shown in the exemplary systems may be modified.

[0067] Accordingly, the foregoing description is presented for purposes of illustration only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form or embodiment disclosed. Modifications and adaptations will become apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. an extruder configured to extrude a biomaterial stored in the syringe and to which the syringe is coupled; a converter, the converter comprising: an electromechanical coupling component that couples the transducer to a three dimensional printing system; a motor configured to actuate extrusion of biomaterial stored in the syringe based on one or more signals received from the three-dimensional printing system via the electromechanical coupling component; a mounting element comprising a plunger configured to compress the spring along the seat of the transducer; the transducer is configured to be reversibly attached to the extruder via the attachment element when the plunger is released. Bio-extruder assembly.

2. 10. The bio-extruder assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment element comprises one or more magnetic pins.

3. 2. The bio-extruder assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment element comprises a first end spaced from a second end, the first end configured to engage threads of the motor, and the second end having a notch configured to engage a top end of the syringe.

4. 2. The bio-extruder assembly of claim 1, wherein the electromechanical coupling component transmits at least one of the one or more three-dimensional printing signals, electrical signals, and extruder status signals received from the three-dimensional printing system between the three-dimensional printing system and the extruder.

5. 2. The bio-extruder assembly of claim 1, wherein the transducer comprises a metal rod configured to engage the extruder.

6. 10. The bio-extruder assembly of claim 1, wherein the extruder is configured to generate pressure using at least one of a piston, compressed gas, water pressure, an air compressor, a piezoelectric device, and ink-jet dispensing extrusion.

7. 10. The bio-extruder assembly of claim 1, wherein the extruder further comprises a light emitting diode configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of 405 nanometers or greater.

8. 10. The bio-extruder assembly of claim 1, wherein the transducer is configured for electromechanical communication with a plurality of three-dimensional printers.

9. A method of biometric printing, comprising: Loading a biomaterial into a syringe; Inserting the syringe into an extruder; engaging an extruder with a transducer electromechanically coupled to a three dimensional printing system; receiving a printing plan for the extruder from the three dimensional printing system at a motor of the extruder; and expelling the contents of the syringe in accordance with the received printing plan; The method, wherein engaging the extruder with the transducer includes engaging a spring latch mechanism by connecting a mounting element of the transducer to the syringe.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the printing plan is generated based on commands received from the three dimensional printing system and data corresponding to an extruder-converter assembly.

11. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein engaging the extruder with the transducer comprises engaging a magnetic connection between the extruder and the transducer.

12. A converter comprising: an electromechanical coupling component that couples the transducer to a three dimensional printing system; a motor configured to actuate extrusion of a biomaterial stored in a syringe based on one or more signals received from the three-dimensional printing system via the electromechanical coupling component; a mounting element configured to reversibly mount the transducer to an extruder having the syringe; the mounting element includes a plunger configured to compress a spring along a seat of the transducer; Converter.

13. The transducer of claim 12 , wherein the mounting element comprises one or more magnetic pins.

14. 13. The transducer of claim 12, wherein the mounting element comprises a first end spaced from a second end, the first end configured to engage threads of an extruder motor, and the second end having a notch configured to engage a top end of a syringe on the extruder.

15. The converter of claim 12 , wherein the electromechanical coupling component transmits at least one of the one or more three dimensional printing signals, electrical signals, and extruder status signals received from the three dimensional printing system between the three dimensional printing system and an extruder engaged to the converter.

16. 13. The converter of claim 12, comprising at least one of a metal rod and a metal seat configured to engage the extruder.

17. The transducer of claim 12 , wherein the transducer is configured for electromechanical communication with a plurality of three dimensional printers.

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