3D Printed Hydrogel Scaffold with Selective Curing for Cell Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for 3D printing of biological structures, such as lungs and other organs, are inadequate in creating functional scaffolds that can be effectively infused with living cells.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printing system that selectively deposits hydrogel materials and support materials, followed by drying and catalyst application to create a scaffold with uncured passages, allowing for the removal of support materials and infusion with living cells, utilizing a combination of ink jet printing and high-resolution imaging to achieve detailed and elastic structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional 3D printing methods are used to print biological structures, then the printing process can be completed, but the resulting scaffolds are inadequate for effective infusion with living cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hydrogel material into two distinct states: cured hydrogel forming the structural scaffold and uncured hydrogel forming removable passages. This segmentation allows the scaffold to maintain structural integrity while creating functional pathways for cell infusion that conventional single-state printing cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary curing of selected hydrogel regions during the printing process itself, creating a differentiated structure before finalization. By selectively curing portions of the hydrogel as it is deposited, the system pre-establishes the scaffold structure and passage regions, enabling subsequent cell infusion without requiring post-processing structural modifications.
2Strength
If support material is used during 3D printing to maintain structural integrity, then the printing process can proceed, but the support material must be removed afterward to create functional passages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical state parameter of the hydrogel material from uncured to cured in specific regions during printing. This parameter change creates permanent structural differentiation where cured regions provide strength and uncured regions form passages, eliminating the need for separate support materials and their subsequent removal processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure within the single hydrogel material by combining two states (cured and uncured) in one printed object. This internal composite structure functions similarly to using multiple materials but achieves the same result through state differentiation, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining structural integrity and creating functional passages.
3Strength
If the entire hydrogel layer is cured, then structural strength is maximized, but passages for cell infusion cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different curing states to different local regions of the hydrogel material. Selected areas remain uncured to form passages while other areas are cured to provide structural strength. This local differentiation allows the scaffold to simultaneously achieve mechanical integrity and functional adaptability for cell infusion, resolving the contradiction between strength and versatility.
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 system enables the creation of viable biological scaffolds with improved structure, manufacturability, and performance, capable of being infused with living cells, achieving the necessary mechanical strength and elasticity for functional biological structures.
Implementation Method 1
an initiation portion that includes a catalyst source that selectively applies a catalyst to the material on the platform to cause a reaction within at least a portion of the hydrogel material
Implementation Method 2
a dryer portion comprising a dryer and through which the platform may pass to dry at least a portion of the material on the platform
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a 3D printing system, methods, and materials for the 3D printing of objects that include a cured hydrogel material, an uncured hydrogel material, and a support material. The cured hydrogel material may define a scaffold for organs or other biological structures. The 3D printing system selectively deposits the hydrogel material and support material, dries the hydrogel material, and selectively applies a catalyst to the hydrogel material to selectively cure the hydrogel material. Once the 3D printing has completed, the uncured hydrogel material may be drained and the support material may be melted or dissolved leaving a scaffold of cured hydrogel material that may be infused with living cells of the desired organ or biological structure.