Multi-Jet Bioprinter Trajectory Control for Viscosity Contradictions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D bioprinting technologies face challenges with high viscosity printing liquids, which can cause blockages and damage cells due to pressure and shear stresses, limiting throughput, reliability, and resolution.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with adjustable jet actuators that allow for precise trajectory control of liquids from multiple sources, enabling efficient impingement and combination of liquids with lower viscosity precursors to form higher viscosity gels, reducing clogging risks and enhancing printing precision and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high viscosity printing liquids are used, then the printed structures have better material properties, but the printing apparatus becomes blocked and pressure increases causing cell damage
Solution Approach 1:
The printing process is segmented into two separate jet actuators: one for delivering low viscosity precursor material and another for delivering crosslinking agent. This segmentation allows each jet to handle materials at optimal viscosities, preventing blockages while achieving the desired final material properties through in-situ reaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The precursor material is prepared and delivered in advance in a low viscosity state that is easy to print. The crosslinking action is then applied subsequently to achieve the final high viscosity or solid structure, avoiding the need to print high viscosity material directly.
2Strength
If high viscosity liquids are used, then the printed structures have desired material properties, but shear stresses damage cells in the liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The material delivery is segmented into two separate streams: precursor material and crosslinking agent. This allows cellular or sensitive materials to be delivered in a low viscosity, low-stress environment, with crosslinking occurring after deposition to avoid shear stress damage.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensitive materials are delivered first in a gentle, low-viscosity state, and the crosslinking or gelation action is applied afterward, eliminating the need to subject sensitive materials to high shear stresses during printing.
3Ease of operation
If gel pre-cursors are mixed in a mixing cartridge prior to deposition, then the gel has lower viscosity for printing, but the gel can still become blocked in the cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing function is extracted from the cartridge and relocated to occur in-flight or at the substrate surface. Two separate jets deliver precursors without pre-mixing in the cartridge, eliminating the mixing cartridge blockage problem while achieving gel formation at the target location.
Solution Approach 2:
The atmosphere or substrate surface acts as an intermediary environment where the precursors mix and react after delivery, rather than requiring a physical mixing cartridge. This eliminates the cartridge blockage issue while maintaining the desired gel formation.
4Device complexity
If traditional single jet actuators are used, then the apparatus is simpler, but the printing speed and resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Two jet actuators are merged into a coordinated system that operates simultaneously, delivering different materials that react to form the final structure. This parallel operation doubles the effective printing capacity and speed compared to sequential single-jet systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Both jet actuators are prepared and positioned in advance with their respective materials, allowing simultaneous deposition and immediate reaction. This eliminates sequential processing delays and significantly increases printing throughput.
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
The apparatus achieves higher throughput, reliability, and resolution in 3D printing, allowing for consistent and efficient deposition of biological materials with increased productivity and repeatability, particularly suitable for bioprinting applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first jet actuator configured to dispense a first liquid from a first liquid source
Implementation Method 2
a second jet actuator configured to dispense a second liquid from a second liquid source
Implementation Method 3
an adjustment element configured to adjust a trajectory of at least the first liquid dispensed from the first jet actuator such that the first liquid impinges the second liquid dispensed from the second jet actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus and method. The printing apparatus is for impinging liquids from at least two liquid sources. The apparatus comprises a first jet actuator configured to dispense a first liquid from a first liquid source and a second jet actuator configured to dispense a second liquid from a second liquid source. The apparatus further comprises an adjustment element configured to adjust a trajectory of at least the first liquid dispensed from the first jet actuator such that the first liquid impinges the second liquid dispensed from the second jet actuator.