Bioprinter Atomizer Needle and PDMS Surface for Hydrogel Layering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D printing methods face challenges in automating the dispensing and layering of liquids for biological structures, often resulting in tedious manual processes that can damage tissues, and conventional surfaces cause poor adherence or excessive adhesion issues with printed materials.
Innovation Solution
The use of a bioprinter equipped with an atomizer needle for automated liquid dispensing and modified surfaces such as sandpaper or flexible silicone rubber, along with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coating, to improve the efficiency and accuracy of tissue creation and material deposition, ensuring better adherence and easy removal of printed materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual dispersion by hand pipetting is used to layer liquid on tissue construct, then the liquid can be applied, but the process is tedious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service layering where the bioprinter automatically dispenses and layers liquids onto tissue constructs without manual intervention, eliminating the tedious hand pipetting process while maintaining precise control over liquid application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pipetting with an automated dispensing system that uses controlled liquid ejection mechanisms to layer liquids on tissue constructs, significantly improving efficiency and reducing time consumption
2Productivity
If conical and straight needle tips are used to eject liquid from syringe, then liquid can be dispensed, but the tissue construct is splashed and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the needle tip from conventional conical or straight shapes to a modified design with specific angle and curvature characteristics, which alters the liquid ejection pattern to prevent splashing while maintaining dispensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The modified needle tip design converts the potentially harmful splashing effect into a beneficial controlled flow pattern, where the liquid is gently deposited onto the tissue construct without causing damage, while still achieving effective liquid delivery
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional surfaces such as glass, polyethylene, polystyrene are used for printing, then the materials can be printed on, but poor adherence between printed materials and surface occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface parameters of conventional materials by applying coatings or treatments that change the surface energy and chemical properties, enabling printed materials to adhere reliably to the surface while maintaining ease of manufacturing and printing processes
4Reliability
If conventional surfaces with high adhesion are used for printing, then printed materials adhere to surface, but the printed material cannot be removed without causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification by creating surfaces with spatially varying adhesion properties, where the surface provides strong adhesion during printing but allows easy release during removal, preventing damage to printed materials while maintaining reliable adherence during the printing process
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
Enables high-throughput, reliable, and accurate creation of biological structures with improved adherence and ease of material removal, reducing damage and increasing the efficiency of the 3D printing process.
Implementation Method 1
an atomizer needle that is configured to dispense liquid in an automated way
Implementation Method 2
a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coating, to improve the efficiency and accuracy of tissue creation and material deposition, ensuring better adherence and easy removal of printed materials
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for the dispensing of liquid, and automated layering of liquid hydrogel patterns are disclosed. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may utilize a bioprinter having a brush that is configured to pattern a collagen layer. In some embodiments, the bioprinter may be used to make layered bioprinted materials. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may include a bioprinter having an atomizer needle that is configured to dispense liquid in an automated way. In some embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods may provide modified surfaces upon which materials may be printed using a three-dimensional (3D) bioprinter. In one embodiment, a modified surface may be formed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), silicones and the like.