Bioprinting device

Abstract

The bioprinting device of the present invention may comprise: a transport case including a case wall extending downward from an upper end to a lower end, and a case hollow part formed in the case wall; a plurality of guide segments located in the case hollow part, coupled to the case wall, and spaced apart from each other; and a nozzle module provided at the lower end of the case wall, wherein the case wall includes: a front case wall forming a front face of the transport case; and a rear case wall forming a rear face of the transport case, and each of the plurality of guide segments includes: a front guide end connected to the front case wall; a rear guide end connected to the rear case wall; and a guide body extending rearward from the front guide end to the rear guide end.

Description

Bioprinting device

[0001] The present invention relates to a bioprinting device.

[0002] The present invention relates to the Industrial Technology Alchemist Project "Development of Meta Soft Organ Module Fabrication Technology and Module Assembly Robot System" (Project No.: 1415180884, Project No.: 20012378, Research Period: 2020.09.01~2026.12.31), which was carried out by the Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation of Pohang University of Science and Technology with funding from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and support from the Korea Institute for Industrial Technology Evaluation and Management.

[0003] The present invention relates to the project "Development of a Macro-scale Bionic Twin Model-based Therapeutic Evaluation Platform for Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis" (Project No.: 2710036341, Project No.: 00423107, Research Period: 2024.04.01~2028.12.31), a Future Promising Convergence Technology Pioneer (Strategic Type) project conducted by the Korea Institute of Materials Science with funding from the Ministry of Science and ICT and support from the National Research Foundation of Korea (Project No.: 2710036341, Project No.: 00423107, Research Period: 2024.04.01~2028.12.31).

[0004] 3D printing, which can bring innovation to manufacturing methods, is attracting attention as one of the promising technologies leading the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and related research is being actively conducted in various fields.

[0005] Interest in 3D bioprinting for the production of artificial tissues and organs is also growing in the bio / medical field. 3D bioprinting is a concept that combines 3D printing technology with biotechnology. For example, tissues and organs can be produced by stacking living cells into a desired shape using 3D bioprinting. While the basic printing method is the same as general 3D printing, the difference is that 3D bioprinting uses biocompatible polymers, biomaterials, etc., as basic materials to print living cells.

[0006] There are 3D bioprinting techniques such as the inkjet method, which prints by spraying material in small droplets; the micro-extrusion method, which pushes material with a viscosity of a certain level or higher using pneumatic pressure or a piston; and the photolithography method, which irradiates a light source onto the surface of a photocurable resin.

[0007] Regarding 3D bioprinting technology, KR 10-2021-0099013 A (Patent Document 1) discloses a 'print head assembly for a 3D bioprinter,' and KR 10-1805774 B (Patent Document 2) discloses a 'three-dimensional bioprinting device and a three-dimensional bioprinting method using the same.' However, Patent Documents 1 and 2 fail to improve the chronic problem in 3D bioprinting, namely, slow printing speed.

[0008] US 2002-0401218 A (Patent Document 3) describes a 3D bioprinting technology capable of surface printing. Surface printing can have the effect of improving printing speed. However, in the case of surface printing, there is a problem in that the printing quality deteriorates because the ejection speed of the bio-ink varies depending on the location.

[0009] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0010] One objective of the present invention is to provide a bioprinting device capable of improving printing speed.

[0011] One objective of the present invention is to provide a bioprinting device capable of printing at a uniform speed depending on the position in surface printing.

[0012] One objective of the present invention is to provide a bioprinting device capable of preventing cell damage in surface printing.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above or other purposes, a bioprinting device may be provided, comprising: a transport case including a case wall extending downward from the top and continuing to the bottom, and a case hollow formed in the case wall; a plurality of guide segments located in the case hollow, coupled to the case wall, and spaced apart from each other; and a nozzle module provided at the bottom of the case wall, wherein the case wall includes a front case wall forming the front face of the transport case; and a rear case wall forming the rear face of the transport case, and each of the plurality of guide segments includes a front guide end connected to the front case wall; a rear guide end connected to the rear case wall; and a guide body extending backward from the electrode guide end and continuing to the rear guide end.

[0014] Each of the above plurality of guide segments can form the shape of a pillar.

[0015] Each of the above plurality of guide segments can form the shape of a cylinder.

[0016] The above guide body can protrude upward and downward.

[0017] The height at which the lower portion of the guide body protrudes downward may be greater than the height at which the upper portion of the guide body protrudes upward.

[0018] The thickness of the guide body may be greater than the thickness of the front guide end and greater than the thickness of the rear guide end.

[0019] An opening is formed in the upper part of the case wall, and the plurality of guide segments may be located below the opening.

[0020] The number density of the above plurality of guide segments may increase as it goes down.

[0021] The above case wall may further include a top case wall that forms the upper surface of the transport case, has a top case wall opening formed therein, and is connected to the front case wall and the rear case wall.

[0022] The above bioprinting device may further include a transport tube coupled to the top case wall and extending downward from the top case wall opening.

[0023] The plurality of guide segments mentioned above can be symmetrically arranged with respect to the transport tube.

[0024] The above case wall further includes a first side case wall that extends backward from the front case wall and connects to the rear case to form a first side of the transport case; and a second side case wall that extends backward from the front case wall and connects to the rear case to form a second side of the transport case, wherein a portion of the plurality of guide segments may be located between the first side case wall and the transport tube, and another portion of the plurality of guide segments may be located between the second side case wall and the transport tube.

[0025] A front case wall opening penetrating the front case wall from front to back may be formed in the front case wall.

[0026] The bottom of the nozzle module and the bottom of the transport tube may be located on the same plane.

[0027] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, a bioprinting device capable of improving printing speed may be provided.

[0028] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, a bioprinting device capable of surface printing at a uniform speed depending on the location may be provided.

[0029] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, a bioprinting device capable of surface printing while preventing cell damage may be provided.

[0030] Further scopes of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention are clearly understood by those skilled in the art, specific embodiments, such as the detailed description and preferred embodiments of the present invention, should be understood as being given merely as examples.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a bioprinting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the state in which the front case wall and nozzle have been removed from the bioprinting device illustrated in Figure 1.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a guide segment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3.

[0035] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the case where the guide body illustrated in Figure 4 has a convex shape.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the guide segment shown in FIG. 5, showing that the lower part of the guide body protrudes more than the upper part of the guide body.

[0037] Figure 7 is a plan view of the bioprinting device illustrated in Figure 1, showing the state in which a guide segment is combined with a transport case.

[0038] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the bioprinting device illustrated in Figure 7, cut along A1-A2.

[0039] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the state in which the water density of the guide segments becomes higher as it goes down, as shown in the bioprinting device illustrated in Figure 8.

[0040] Figure 10 is a drawing showing a transport tube added to the transport module shown in Figure 2.

[0041] Figure 11 is a drawing showing an opening formed in the front case wall illustrated in Figure 1.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the bioprinting device cut along A1-A2 with a transport tube added to the bioprinting device illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0043] FIG. 13a is a drawing showing living cells among the cells contained in the liquid transported through the bioprinting device shown in FIG. 8.

[0044] FIG. 13b is a diagram showing dead cells among the cells contained in the liquid transported through the bioprinting device shown in FIG. 8.

[0045] FIG. 14a is a drawing showing living cells among the cells contained in the liquid transported through the bioprinting device shown in FIG. 9.

[0046] FIG. 14b is a diagram showing dead cells among the cells contained in the liquid transported through the bioprinting device shown in FIG. 9.

[0047] FIG. 15a is a drawing showing living cells among the cells contained in the liquid transported through the bioprinting device shown in FIG. 2.

[0048] FIG. 15b is a diagram showing dead cells among the cells contained in the liquid transported through the bioprinting device shown in FIG. 2.

[0049] FIG. 16a is a diagram showing the appearance at a certain point in time during a simulation process of liquid transport through a bioprinting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 16b is a diagram showing the appearance at a certain point in time during the simulation process of liquid transport through the bioprinting device illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols are assigned the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted. Additionally, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the invention.

[0052] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0053] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0054] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0055] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0056] In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated.

[0057] Where an embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the order described. For example, two processes described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously or proceed in the reverse order of the description.

[0058] In the following embodiments, when it is stated that a membrane, region, component, etc. is connected, it includes not only cases where the membrane, region, or component is directly connected, but also cases where other membranes, regions, or components are interposed between them to form an indirect connection. For example, when it is stated in this specification that a membrane, region, component, etc. is electrically connected, it includes not only cases where the membrane, region, or component, etc. are directly electrically connected, but also cases where other membranes, regions, or components are interposed between them to form an indirect electrical connection.

[0059] An XYZ coordinate system may be used in this specification. The XYZ coordinate system may be a Cartesian coordinate system. The XYZ coordinate system may consist of an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. For example, the X-axis and the Y-axis may form a horizontal plane. For example, the Z-axis may be in a vertical direction.

[0060] For example, a positive X-axis can represent forward. For example, a negative X-axis can represent rearward. For example, a positive Y-axis can represent right. For example, a negative Y-axis can represent left.

[0061] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a bioprinting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the state in which the front case wall and nozzle are removed from the bioprinting device shown in FIG. 1.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the bioprinting device (1) may include a transport module (30). The transport module (30) may include a transport case (300). The transport case (300) may be extended in the longitudinal direction. The transport case (300) may include, for example, a case wall (310) extended in the longitudinal direction.

[0063] The longitudinal direction of the transport case (300) may be, for example, an up-and-down direction. For example, the case wall (310) may extend downward from the top of the case wall (310) to the bottom of the case wall (310).

[0064] The case wall (310) may include or mean at least one of a top case wall (310T), a front case wall (310F), a rear case wall (310R), and a side case wall (310L). The side case wall (310L) may include or mean at least one of a first side case wall (310L1) and a second side case wall (310L2).

[0065] The shape of the case wall (310) may be the shape of a plate or a board. The case wall (310) may form a case hollow portion (320). The case hollow portion (320) may be a hollow portion formed in the case (300).

[0066] For example, the transport case (300) may include a top case wall (310T). The top case wall (310T) may form the upper face of the transport case (300).

[0067] For example, the transport case (300) may include a front case wall (310F). The front case wall (310F) may form the front face of the transport case (300). The front case wall (310F) may extend downward from the front portion of the top case wall (310T).

[0068] For example, the transport case (300) may include a rear case wall (310R). The rear case wall (310R) may form the rear face of the transport case (300). The rear case wall (310R) may extend downward from the rear end of the top case wall (310T).

[0069] For example, the transport case (300) may include a first side case wall (310L1). The first side case wall (310L1) may form a first side of the transport case (300). The first side of the transport case (300) may, for example, face or be oriented in the negative Y-axis direction.

[0070] For example, the transport case (300) may include a second side case wall (310L2). The second side case wall (310L2) may form a second side of the transport case (300). The second side of the transport case (300) may, for example, face or be oriented in the positive Y-axis direction.

[0071] The side case wall (310L) may extend downward from the top case wall (310T). The side case wall (310L) may connect the front case wall (310F) and the rear case wall (310R). For example, the side case wall (310L) may extend backward from the front case wall (310F) to the rear case wall (310R).

[0072] The rear case wall (310R) may be located behind the front case wall (310F). The case hollow (320) may be formed between the front case wall (310F) and the rear case wall (310R).

[0073] The first side case wall (310L1) and the second side case wall (310L2) may face each other. The case hollow portion (320) may be formed between the first side case wall (310L1) and the second side case wall (310L2).

[0074] The bioprinting device (1) may include a nozzle module (60). The nozzle module (60) may be connected to or coupled to the bottom of the case wall (310). For example, the nozzle module (60) may extend downward from the bottom of the case wall (310). For example, the nozzle module (60) may be integral with the case wall (310).

[0075] An opening may be formed in the case wall (310). For example, an opening may be formed in the upper part of the case wall (310). For example, the top case wall opening (310TP) may be an opening formed in the top case wall (310T). Through the opening formed in the case wall (310), liquid may flow into the case hollow (320).

[0076] For example, the liquid flowing into the hollow part of the case (320) may include bioink. For example, the liquid flowing into the hollow part of the case (320) may be a liquid containing biological cells.

[0077] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a guide segment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the transport module (30, see FIG. 1) may include a guide segment (400). The guide segment (400) may form a shape that extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0079] The longitudinal direction of the guide segment (400) may intersect with the longitudinal direction of the transport case (300, see FIG. 2). For example, the longitudinal direction of the guide segment (400) may be in the front-back direction. For example, the longitudinal direction of the guide segment (400) may be parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0080] The guide segment (400) may include, for example, a guide body (410) and a guide end (420). The guide end (420) may include or mean at least one of a front guide end (420F) and a rear guide end (420R).

[0081] For example, the front guide end (420F) may be located in front of the guide body (410). For example, the front guide end (420F) may extend forward from the guide body (410).

[0082] For example, the rear guide end (420R) may be located behind the guide body (410). For example, the rear guide end (420R) may extend backward from the guide body (410).

[0083] The guide segment (400) may have the shape of a pillar overall. For example, the shape of the guide segment (400) may be the shape of a polygonal pillar. For example, the shape of the guide segment (400) may be the shape of a circular pillar.

[0084] The cross-section of the guide segment (400) may be a polygon or a circle. The reference point for the cross-section of the guide segment (400) may be a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide segment (400). For example, the YZ plane may be a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide segment (400). For example, if the cross-section of the guide segment (400) is a polygon, the interior angle of the polygon may be 140° or more, 150° or more, 160° or more, or 170° or more. In this case, cell damage caused by the guide segment (400) during printing may be suppressed. The interior angle of the polygon may be less than 180°.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the present invention, both uniformity and speed of surface printing can be secured through a number of relatively weak turbulence by the guide segment (400), and damage to cells can also be prevented.

[0086] In contrast, conventional static mixers (e.g., D-Shape Mixer, Helical Mixer, etc.) have disadvantages such as causing a sudden change in the direction of fluid flow, generating strong rotational force, or generating strong turbulence, which can excessively reduce the speed of surface printing, induce local non-uniformity, or damage cells in bioprinting.

[0087] The guide segment (400) may be connected to or coupled to the case wall (310, see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). For example, the front guide end (420F) may be connected to or coupled to the front case wall (310F, see FIG. 1). For example, the rear guide end (420R) may be connected to or coupled to the rear case wall (310R, see FIG. 2).

[0088] The guide segment (400) can be accommodated in a transport case (300, see FIG. 1). For example, the guide segment (400) can be located between the front case wall (310F, see FIG. 1) and the rear case wall (310R). For example, the guide segment (400) can be located between the first side case wall (310L1, see FIG. 2) and the second side case wall (310L2, see FIG. 2).

[0089] Liquid can be evenly discharged during surface printing by the guide segment (400). That is, the uniformity of surface printing can be improved through the guide segment (400).

[0090] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the case where the guide body illustrated in Figure 4 has a convex shape.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 5, the guide body (410) may be convex. The cross-section of the guide segment (400) may be circular. For example, the thickness of the guide body (410) may be greater than the thickness of the guide end (420). For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the guide body (410) may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the guide end (420).

[0092] The reference for the cross-section of the guide segment (400) may be a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide segment (400). For example, the YZ plane may be a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide segment (400). The guide body (410) may be divided into an upper guide body (410T) and a lower guide body (410B).

[0093] For example, the upper portion of the guide body (410T) may be the upper portion of the guide body (410). For example, the upper portion of the guide body (410T) may be convex upward. For example, the lower portion of the guide body (410B) may be the lower portion of the guide body (410). The lower portion of the guide body (410B) may be convex downward.

[0094] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the guide segment shown in FIG. 5, showing that the lower part of the guide body protrudes more than the upper part of the guide body.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 6, the lower part of the guide body (410B) may protrude further than the upper part of the guide body (410T). For example, the height to which the lower part of the guide body (410B) protrudes downward relative to the guide end (420) may be greater than the height to which the upper part of the guide body (410T) protrudes upward relative to the guide end (420).

[0096] For example, the cross-section of the guide body (410) can form the shape of an egg or a water droplet. For example, the lower part of the guide body (410B) may be more pointed than the upper part of the guide body (410T). In other words, the upper part of the guide body (410T) may be flatter than the lower part of the guide body (410B).

[0097] For example, the maximum curvature on the outer face of the lower part of the guide body (410B) may be greater than the maximum curvature on the outer face of the upper part of the guide body (410T).

[0098] In other words, the minimum radius of curvature on the outer surface of the upper part of the guide body (410T) may be greater than the minimum radius of curvature on the outer surface of the lower part of the guide body (410B).

[0099] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the bioprinting device illustrated in FIG. 1, showing a state in which a guide segment is combined with a transport case. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the bioprinting device illustrated in FIG. 7, cut along A1-A2.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, a plurality of guide segments (400) can be accommodated in a transport case (300) and combined. For example, a plurality of guide segments (400) can connect a front case wall (310F) and a rear case wall (310R).

[0101] For example, the front guide end (420F) can be coupled to the front case wall (310F). For example, the guide segment (400) can protrude backward from the rear of the front case wall (310F).

[0102] For example, the rear guide end (420R) can be coupled to the rear case wall (310R). For example, the guide segment (400) can protrude forward from the front face of the rear case wall (310R).

[0103] The number density of multiple guide segments (400) may be uniform depending on the location. For example, the number density of multiple guide segments (400) at each location on the front case wall (310F) may be constant.

[0104] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the state in which the water density of the guide segments becomes higher as it goes down, as shown in the bioprinting device illustrated in Figure 8.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7 and FIG. 9, the number of guide segments (400) may vary depending on the location. For example, as one moves from the top to the bottom of the transport case (300), the number of guide segments (400) may increase.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 9, liquid flowing into the interior of the transport case (300) through the top case wall opening (310TP) can descend by gravity. A portion of the descending liquid may come into contact with the inner face of the case wall (310). Another portion of the descending liquid may come into contact with the guide segment (400).

[0107] When the descending liquid comes into contact with the inner surface of the case wall (310) or the guide segment (400), the case wall (310) and the guide segment (400) can delay the descending speed of the liquid.

[0108] For example, the case wall (310) and the guide segment (400) can provide a frictional force or dragging force to the descending liquid. As a result, the inner surface of the case wall (310) or the guide segment (400) may be a factor that inhibits the descending liquid.

[0109] In the absence of a guide segment (400), the downward speed of the fluid flowing into the interior of the transport case (300) may vary relatively significantly depending on the location. For example, the downward speed of the liquid adjacent to the inner surface of the case wall (310) may be smaller than the downward speed of the liquid located relatively far from the inner surface of the case wall (310).

[0110] When multiple guide segments (400) are located in the hollow part (320) of the case, liquid located relatively far from the inner surface of the case wall (310) may come into contact with the guide segments (400). The descent speed of the liquid adjacent to the guide segments (400) may be slower than the descent speed of the liquid located relatively far from the guide segments (400).

[0111] For example, the guide segment (400) can delay the speed of the liquid descending through the center of the transport case (300). Thus, the distribution of the descending speed of the liquid introduced into the transport module (30) including the guide segment (400) can be relatively uniform.

[0112] When the number density of multiple guide segments (400) increases as it goes downward, the distribution of the liquid's downward velocity may be more uniform than when the number density of multiple guide segments (400) is uniform. For example, the distance between two adjacent guide segments (400) decreases as it goes downward, so that the velocity distribution of the liquid descending may become uniform.

[0113] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a transport tube added to the transport module shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an opening formed in the front case wall shown in FIG. 1.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the front case wall (310F) shown in FIG. 11 can be coupled to the transport module shown in FIG. 10. The transport module (30) may include a transport tube (500). The transport tube (500) may have the shape of a tube.

[0115] The transport tube (500) can be connected to an opening formed in the case wall (310). For example, the transport tube (500) can be connected to a top case wall opening (310TP, see FIG. 2). For example, the upper part of the transport tube (500) can be connected to a top case wall opening (310TP, see FIG. 2).

[0116] The transport tube (500) may extend downward from the top case wall opening (310TP, see FIG. 2). The transport tube (500) may be spaced apart from the case wall (310, see FIG. 2). The transport tube (500) may be located in the case hollow (320, see FIG. 2).

[0117] The front case wall opening (310FP) may be an opening formed in the front case wall (310F). Through the front case wall opening (310FP), the case hollow (320, see FIG. 2) may be in communication with the outside.

[0118] The liquid flowing into the transport tube (500) through the top case wall opening (310FP, see FIG. 2) may be referred to as the "first liquid." The liquid flowing into the case hollow (320, see FIG. 2) through the front case wall opening (310FP) may be referred to as the "second liquid." At least one of the first liquid and the second liquid may contain a cell.

[0119] For example, the first liquid may include a first bio-ink, and the second liquid may include a second bio-ink. For example, the first bio-ink may include cells or may not include cells, and the second bio-ink may include cells. For example, the first bio-ink may include a non-cellular component that can be removed by physical, chemical, or enzymatic means. Accordingly, by removing the non-cellular component of the first bio-ink after printing, a vascular network can be simulated.

[0120] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the bioprinting device cut along A1-A2 with a transport tube added to the bioprinting device illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, some of the plurality of guide segments (400) may be located between the transport tube (500) and the first side case wall (310L1), and other parts of the plurality of guide segments (400) may be located between the transport tube (500) and the second side case wall (310L2). For example, the plurality of guide segments (400) may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the transport tube (500).

[0122] The first liquid can descend from the top of the transport tube (500) and reach the bottom of the transport tube (500). The first liquid that reaches the bottom of the transport tube (500) can be discharged down the transport tube (500).

[0123] The second liquid can be introduced into and descend into the case hollow (320) through the front case wall opening (310FP). The descending speed of the descending second liquid can be delayed by the inner surface of the case wall (310), the guide segment (400), and the transport tube (500). The second liquid descending from the case hollow (320) can be discharged below the nozzle module (60).

[0124] The bottom of the nozzle module (60) and the bottom of the transport tube (500) may be located substantially on the same plane. A plate (not shown) may be located below the nozzle module (60). The plate (not shown) located below the nozzle module (60) may be, for example, a biological surface. For example, the nozzle module (60) and the transport tube (500) may be located on the plate (not shown).

[0125] The first liquid discharged from the transport tube (500) can be stacked on a plate (not shown). The second liquid discharged from the nozzle module (60) can be stacked on a plate (not shown).

[0126] For example, the first liquid and the second liquid stacked on the plate (not shown) may be stacked to form a boundary. For example, the boundary and perimeter of the first liquid and the second liquid stacked on the plate (not shown) may depend on the shape of the bottom of the transport tube (500) and the shape of the bottom of the nozzle module (60).

[0127] FIG. 13a is a drawing showing living cells among the cells contained in the liquid transported through the bioprinting device shown in FIG. 8.

[0128] FIG. 13b is a diagram showing dead cells among the cells contained in the liquid transported through the bioprinting device shown in FIG. 8.

[0129] FIG. 14a is a drawing showing living cells among the cells contained in the liquid transported through the bioprinting device shown in FIG. 9.

[0130] FIG. 14b is a diagram showing dead cells among the cells contained in the liquid transported through the bioprinting device shown in FIG. 9.

[0131] FIG. 15a is a drawing showing living cells among the cells contained in the liquid transported through the bioprinting device shown in FIG. 2.

[0132] FIG. 15b is a diagram showing dead cells among the cells contained in the liquid transported through the bioprinting device shown in FIG. 2.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 13a, FIGS. 13b, FIGS. 14a, FIGS. 14b, FIGS. 15a and FIGS. 15b, it can be seen that the guide segment (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention does not cause cell damage.

[0134] FIG. 16a is a diagram showing the appearance at a certain point in time during a simulation of liquid transport through a bioprinting device (e.g., a bioprinting device such as FIG. 12) including a guide segment (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] FIG. 16b is a diagram showing the appearance at a certain point in time during the simulation process of liquid transport through the bioprinting device illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 16a and 16b, it can be seen that the uniformity of surface printing is improved by the guide segment (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Some or other embodiments of the present invention described above are not exclusive or distinct from one another. Some or other embodiments of the present invention described above may be used in combination or combined with their respective configurations or functions.

[0137] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential features of the invention. The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in any respect and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A transport case comprising a case wall extending from the top downward and continuing to the bottom, and a case hollow formed in the case wall; A plurality of guide segments located in the hollow portion of the case, coupled to the case wall, and spaced apart from each other; and It includes a nozzle module provided at the bottom of the above case wall, and The above case wall is, A front case wall forming the front face of the above transport case; and It includes a rear case wall forming the rear of the above transport case, and Each of the above plurality of guide segments is, A front guide end connected to the front case wall; A rear guide end connected to the rear case wall above; and A guide body including a guide body that extends backward from the electrode guide end and connects to the rear guide end. Bioprinting device.

2. In Paragraph 1, Each of the above plurality of guide segments is, Forming the shape of a pillar, Bioprinting device.

3. In Paragraph 2, Each of the above plurality of guide segments is, Forming the shape of a cylinder, Bioprinting device.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above guide body protrudes upward and protrudes downward, Bioprinting device.

5. In Paragraph 4, The height at which the lower portion of the above guide body protrudes downward is The upper portion of the guide body is greater than the height at which it protrudes upward, Bioprinting device.

6. In Paragraph 1, The thickness of the above guide body is, Larger than the thickness of the front guide end and larger than the thickness of the rear guide end, Bioprinting device.

7. In Paragraph 1, An opening is formed in the upper part of the above case wall, and The plurality of guide segments above are located below the opening, Bioprinting device.

8. In Paragraph 7, The number density of the above plurality of guide segments increases as it goes down. Bioprinting device.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above case wall is, A top case wall further comprising a top case wall that forms the upper surface of the above transport case, wherein a top case wall opening is formed, and is connected to the front case wall and the rear case wall. Bioprinting device.

10. In Paragraph 9, A transport tube further comprising a top case wall coupled thereto and extending downward from the top case wall opening, Bioprinting device.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above plurality of guide segments are, Symmetrically arranged with respect to the above transport tube, Bioprinting device.

12. In Paragraph 10, The above case wall is, A first side case wall that extends backward from the front case wall and connects to the rear case, forming a first side of the transport case; It further includes a second side case wall that extends backward from the front case wall and connects to the rear case, forming a second side of the transport case. Some of the above plurality of guide segments are, Located between the first side case wall and the transport tube, Another part of the above plurality of guide segments is, Located between the second side case wall and the transport tube, Bioprinting device.

13. In Paragraph 10, A front case wall opening penetrating the front case wall from front to back is formed in the front case wall, Bioprinting device.

14. In Paragraph 10, The bottom of the nozzle module and the bottom of the transport tube are located on the same plane. Bioprinting device.

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