Multi-material 3D Bioprinting via Sequential Bioink Immersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D bioprinting technologies, such as extrusion, inkjet, acoustic/ultrasound, laser, and stereolithography, fall short in replicating complex tissue structures with varying constituents and properties, necessitating the development of new methods for multi-material overprinting.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for 3D bioprinting using digital light processing (DLP) with multiple bioink resin tanks, where a printing platform is immersed and cured in sequential bioink resins, allowing for the creation of complex, multilayered tissues by varying the composition of each bioink, including living cells and polymers, and utilizing actuators for precise movement and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current 3D bioprinting technologies (extrusion, inkjet, acoustic/ultrasound, laser, stereolithography) are used, then basic tissue printing is achieved, but the ability to replicate complex tissue structures with varying constituents and properties is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the bioink supply into multiple separate tanks, each containing different bioink formulations with varying constituents and properties. This allows independent selection and switching between different bioink types during the printing process, enabling replication of complex tissue structures with heterogeneous materials while maintaining printing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes material parameters by varying the composition of bioinks in different tanks, including different polymer types, cell types, and material properties. This parameter variation enables the replication of diverse tissue structures with specific constituents and properties, resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bioink resins are used for multi-material overprinting, then complex multilayered tissues can be engineered, but the system complexity increases with multiple containers and actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The printing platform serves multiple functions by being able to immerse itself in different bioink tanks and perform curing operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment for each bioink type, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining the capability to engineer complex multilayered tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing platform acts as an intermediary that mediates between multiple bioink tanks and the curing process. By centralizing the control and immersion functions in a single platform, the system manages complexity while enabling multi-material overprinting and complex tissue engineering.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sequential immersion and curing in multiple bioink tanks is performed, then multi-material overprinting is achieved, but the printing process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by seamlessly transitioning the printing platform between different bioink tanks without interruption. The immersion and curing processes are performed in continuous sequence, minimizing idle time and maintaining productivity while achieving multi-material overprinting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares multiple bioink tanks in advance with different materials before the printing process begins. This preliminary preparation allows the printing platform to proceed with sequential immersion and curing without delays for material preparation, thereby maintaining printing speed while achieving multi-material capability.
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 the engineering of complex, multilayered tissues with varying properties by sequentially curing different bioink resins on a printing platform, overcoming limitations of existing technologies in replicating intricate tissue structures.
Implementation Method 1
curing one or more layer of the first bioink resin on the printing platform or surface... irradiating the printing platform or surface with electromagnetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting method and system are disclosed. The method includes disposing/immersing a printing platform or surface into a first bioink, such as a bioink resin, curing one or more layer of the first bioink resin onto the printing platform or surface, and removing the printing platform or surface from the first bioink resin. The process is repeated with a second bioink resin such that the second bioink resin is cured on top of the one or more layer of first bioink resin, and can be further repeated with a third or even fourth bioink resin. By varying constituents of one or more or each bioink resin (such as living cell type or polymer), complex, multilayered tissues can be engineered. A system capable of performing the method is also disclosed.