Stationary Bioprinting Printhead for Tissue Array Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioprinting technologies require movement of printheads to print two-dimensional areas, which can lead to ink splashing and cell damage, and are not suitable for printing on complex or curved surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A bioprinting method using a printhead with a two-dimensional array of print nozzles that ejects bio-ink onto a substrate without moving the printhead, allowing for precise printing on complex surfaces and eliminating the need for ink movement, thereby reducing cell damage and improving printing precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a printhead is moved to print two-dimensional areas, then the printing area is increased, but ink splashing and cell damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The printhead is segmented into multiple independent nozzles arranged in a two-dimensional array, allowing each nozzle to print independently without requiring movement of the entire printhead, thus eliminating ink splashing and cell damage associated with printhead movement
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzles are arranged in a two-dimensional array configuration, enabling the printhead to cover a two-dimensional printing area without movement by utilizing the spatial arrangement of nozzles in both x and y dimensions
2Adaptability or versatility
If a printhead is moved to print on complex or curved surfaces, then the adaptability is improved, but printing precision is reduced due to ink splashing
Solution Approach 1:
The printhead is divided into multiple independently controllable nozzles that can be selectively activated to match the geometry of complex or curved surfaces, allowing precise deposition of bio-ink without movement-induced splashing
Solution Approach 2:
Different nozzles can be independently controlled to deposit bio-ink with varying parameters (volume, frequency, timing) suited for local surface characteristics, enabling precise printing on complex or curved surfaces
3Area of stationary object
If bio-ink is ejected through moving printhead, then printing coverage is increased, but cell viability is reduced due to mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The printhead is segmented into multiple nozzles that remain stationary, eliminating mechanical stress from printhead movement while maintaining comprehensive printing coverage through the two-dimensional nozzle arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical movement system is replaced with a stationary nozzle array system that uses controlled ejection timing and individual nozzle actuation to achieve coverage without mechanical stress on cells
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
This approach enables precise and efficient bioprinting of tissues directly onto defects without ink splashing, allowing for customized tissue generation that can integrate seamlessly with host tissues, reducing the need for prior manufacturing and storage, and enabling direct integration into the patient's anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
ejecting a bio-ink through the print nozzles onto the substrate, forming a bio ink layer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods of printing a bio-ink on a substrate. The methods further encompass methods of printing a live tissue and methods of treating tissue defects.