In Vivo Multi-Material Bioprinting with Single Printhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioprinting technologies are limited to using a single bioink at a time, making the process time-consuming and requiring invasive surgical procedures for implanting biomedical constructs, which are risky and have long recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A multi-material bioprinter with a single printhead connected to multiple bioink reservoirs, allowing for rapid and minimally invasive in vivo bioprinting by quickly switching between different bioinks using a programmable pneumatic system, enabling the fabrication of complex biomedical constructs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single bioink is used at a time in bioprinting, then the bioprinting process can be simplified, but the fabrication time increases significantly and multiple separate procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bioink delivery systems into a single integrated printhead assembly. The multi-channel printhead allows simultaneous or sequential deposition of different bioinks in one continuous printing operation, eliminating the need for multiple separate bioprinting procedures and significantly reducing fabrication time while maintaining manageable system complexity through unified control
2Manufacturing precision
If biomedical constructs are fabricated outside the body and then implanted, then the constructs can be pre-manufactured with controlled properties, but invasive surgical procedures are required which carry high infection risk and long recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from external fabrication followed by implantation to direct in vivo fabrication. The bioprinter is introduced through a minimally invasive catheter into the body cavity, enabling construction of biomedical implants directly at the target site within the body. This dimensional shift from extracorporeal to intracorporeal manufacturing eliminates open surgical procedures while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled bioink deposition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a catheter-based delivery system as an intermediary to introduce the bioprinting apparatus into the body through minimally invasive keyhole cuts. This intermediary device enables the transition from invasive surgical implantation to minimally invasive in vivo fabrication, reducing infection risk and recovery time while allowing precise construct formation at the target site
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bioinks are used to create complex biomedical constructs, then the functional capabilities and structural complexity increase, but the bioprinting process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bioink delivery system into multiple independent channels within a single printhead, with each channel capable of delivering a different bioink. This segmentation allows complex multi-material constructs to be fabricated by selectively activating different channels, managing material diversity through modular channel design rather than requiring separate printheads for each material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal printhead system that can handle multiple different bioinks through a single multi-channel device. The printhead is designed with universal compatibility for various bioink types, allowing the same device to perform multiple material deposition functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate specialized printheads for each bioink type
Data Source
AI summary
Described are systems and methods for in vivo multi-material bioprinting. The in vivo multi-material bioprinting can be used to fabricate biomedical constructs within a patient minimally invasively. The systems and methods can utilize a multi-material bioprinter, which includes a biocompatible portion. The biocompatible portion can include a single printhead for in vivo bioprinting. The single printhead can include a plurality of outlets, each linked to one of a plurality of reservoirs. Each of the plurality of reservoirs can each house a different bioink for bioprinting. Each of the plurality of outlets can be activated to release a respective bioink.