3D Bio-Ink Forming for Precise Cell Patterning and Layer Splicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D printing technologies struggle to control the distribution and positioning of cells in bio-ink, leading to random distribution and limited flexibility in constructing heterogeneous tissue structures, and lack effective curing control systems for patterned cells.
Innovation Solution
A method and system combining acoustic waves and light-curing technology to form and splice cell cluster patterns, enhancing cell utilization and interaction, and enabling flexible curing of patterned cells to construct three-dimensional heterogeneous tissue structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional 3D printing technology is used to print bio-ink, then the printing process can be completed, but the cells in the bio-ink are randomly distributed and cannot be precisely positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing process into two distinct stages: first using acoustic wave technology to precisely position and pattern cells within the bio-ink, then using light-curing technology to cure the patterned cells. This segmentation allows each technology to perform its specialized function optimally - acoustic waves for cell manipulation and light-curing for structural fixation - thereby achieving precise cell positioning without overwhelming process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using acoustic waves as a mediator to manipulate cell positions before the final light-curing step. The acoustic field acts as an intermediary mechanism that temporarily holds and positions cells in desired patterns within the bio-ink, which are then permanently fixed through subsequent light-curing. This intermediary step enables precise cell positioning without requiring direct integration of complex cell-manipulation capabilities into the printing system
2Manufacturing precision
If acoustic wave technology is used to pattern cells, then cell positioning accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases due to coupling with light-curing technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges acoustic wave technology and light-curing technology into a unified printing system where both technologies work in sequence within the same device. The acoustic module patterns cells in the bio-ink, and the light-curing module immediately cures the patterned structure. This merging allows the system to achieve high cell positioning accuracy while managing complexity through integrated design, where the two technologies complement rather than compete with each other
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by seamlessly transitioning from acoustic wave cell patterning to light-curing structural fixation without interrupting the printing process. The acoustic field continuously manipulates cells into desired patterns, and the light-curing system continuously cures the bio-ink to lock in these patterns. This continuous action maintains high cell cluster pattern accuracy while avoiding the need for complex intermediate handling or repositioning steps that would increase system complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If light-curing is performed after cell patterning, then cell structure stability is improved, but the flexibility in constructing heterogeneous tissue structures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by implementing a cyclic printing process that can be repeated multiple times to construct heterogeneous tissue structures. The system performs cell patterning via acoustic waves, cures via light, transfers the cured structure, and then repeats the process with new bio-ink containing different cell types or compositions. This periodic cycling maintains the stability of each cured layer while enabling the construction of complex heterogeneous multi-layer tissue structures through repeated iterations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by fully curing each cell cluster pattern before proceeding to the next layer or structure. This preliminary curing stabilizes the current layer's cell arrangement, and only after this stabilization is complete does the system transfer and prepare for the next patterning step. This preliminary action ensures structural stability at each stage while maintaining versatility, as each stabilized layer can be independently designed with different cell compositions to achieve heterogeneous tissue structures
4Shape
If multiple times of transferring and splicing are performed to construct 3D tissue structure, then the three-dimensional structure complexity is improved, but the time consumption and positioning accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning and alignment systems with acoustic wave-based positioning for cell patterning. Instead of relying on complex mechanical transfer mechanisms to position cells with high precision during multiple splicing operations, the acoustic field directly manipulates and positions cells into desired patterns within the bio-ink. This substitution reduces the time and complexity associated with mechanical positioning while enabling the construction of complex three-dimensional structures through repeated acoustic patterning and light-curing cycles
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Improves cell utilization and interaction, constructs bionic tissue structures with precise control over cell positioning and curing, overcoming limitations in constructing heterogeneous tissue structures.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the bio-ink in the acoustic resonating cavity through acoustic waves to form a cell cluster pattern
Implementation Method 2
adjusting the number of currently working transducer modules and adjusting the current input phase corresponding to each transducer module in working state, so that the acoustic waves generated by the above-mentioned transducer module in the working state under the current input phase control the cells in the bio-ink
Implementation Method 3
performing controllable light-curing on the pre-cured position of the cell cluster pattern to obtain a cured formed structure
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are three-dimensional forming method and system. The method includes: controlling, by acoustic wave, bio-ink in acoustic resonant cavity to form cell cluster pattern M1; performing controllable photocuring on pre-curing position of the cell cluster pattern M1, to obtain cured formed structure; transferring the cured formed structure; controlling, by acoustic wave, the bio-ink in the acoustic resonant cavity to form cell cluster pattern M2, and adjusting the position, in the bio-ink, of the cured formed structure, such that the position is accurately joined with pre-curing position of the cell cluster pattern M2; performing controllable photocuring on the pre-curing position of the cell cluster pattern M2, to obtain cured formed structure; and circularly executing steps 3-5 a preset number of times, to obtain the three-dimensional tissue structure.