Multi-Syringe Bioprinter Module for Contamination-Free Bio-Ink Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-dimensional bioprinters face challenges in efficiently handling both fluid and solid biomaterials due to the need for repeated heating and cooling of nozzles, and they are limited to single-syringe operations, restricting the ability to output multiple bio-inks simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional bioprinter with a multi-syringe printing module that includes a sealed printing chamber, multiple syringe holders, and a rotary shaft system for selective output of biomaterials, along with a lift up/lift down unit and NFC tags for precise control of output conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single nozzle is used to output both solid and fluid biomaterials, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to repeated heating and cooling causing nozzle overload
Solution Approach 1:
The single nozzle is segmented into two separate nozzles: a first nozzle for outputting solid biomaterials (scaffolds) and a second nozzle for outputting fluid biomaterials (bio-ink). This segmentation eliminates the need for repeated heating and cooling of a single nozzle, preventing overload and improving reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The bioprinter system achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple nozzles with different capabilities into a single platform. The first nozzle handles solid material extrusion while the second nozzle handles fluid material dispensing, allowing the system to perform both functions simultaneously without compromising either nozzle's performance or requiring complex temperature cycling.
2Device complexity
If a single syringe is mounted in the second nozzle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates because multiple bio-inks cannot be output
Solution Approach 1:
The single syringe mounting position is segmented into multiple syringe holders (first, second, third, and fourth syringe holders) arranged around the second nozzle. Each holder can accommodate a separate syringe containing different bio-inks, allowing the system to output multiple types of fluid biomaterials sequentially or simultaneously while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe holders are designed to be rotatable or movable, allowing dynamic selection of which syringe is positioned at the output location. This dynamic capability enables the system to adaptively switch between different bio-inks without requiring a completely different mounting structure, thereby improving versatility while controlling complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the printing chamber is opened to change syringes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple syringes are pre-loaded into the syringe holders before the printing chamber is sealed. The system is prepared in advance with all necessary bio-inks ready to use, eliminating the need to open the chamber during the printing process. This preliminary preparation maintains ease of operation during setup while preventing contamination during actual printing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed printing chamber acts as an intermediary barrier that isolates the biomaterials from external contamination. By designing the system to accommodate multiple pre-loaded syringes within this sealed environment, the chamber serves as a protective mediator that allows syringe replacement to occur during setup without compromising the sterile conditions during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is a three-dimensional bioprinter including a multi-syringe printing module. The multi-syringe printing module includes a packing plated installed inside a hollow cylinder portion and configured to separate an inside of the cylinder portion into a upper zone and a lower zone, a rotary shaft for rotating the packing plate, a plurality of syringe holders disposed below the packing plate and configured to hold each syringe, a syringe holder support portion configured to support the syringe holder; and a rotary shaft driving unit for rotating the rotary shaft. The syringe holder holding the syringe selected for printing is rotated to an output position by the rotation of the rotary shaft by the rotary shaft driving unit. A lift up/lift down unit having a vertical movement unit disposed outside the printing chamber is provided to control lift up/lift down of the syringe printing module.