Session: 03-15-04: Smart Manufacturing and Robotics for the Future IV

Paper Number: 167319

Development of a Modular, Open-Source Multi-Head 3d Bioprinter Designed to Produce Intricate Structures 

Various 3D bioprinting techniques have been developed to fabricate biomimetic constructs using biomaterials or cell-laden bioinks, aiming to create functionally engineered tissues or organs for tissue engineering applications. These advancements are crucial for the development of tissue-engineered solutions. However, traditional single-biomaterial printing techniques often fall short when attempting to replicate the complexity and diversity of native tissues. Native tissues consist of multiple cell types, varied extracellular matrices, and complex structures that are difficult to mimic using only one material. To overcome these limitations, multi-bioink or multi-biomaterial printing has emerged as a promising solution. This can be achieved using either a single printhead or multiple printheads to deposit different materials during the printing process.

However, commercially available multi-head bioprinters are often prohibitively expensive, limiting their adoption for many tissue engineering applications. Additionally, each bioink or biomaterial has specific printing characteristics, such as viscosity, curing time, and extrusion temperature, which require customized techniques for optimal printing performance. This adds further complexity and cost to the development of multi-material bioprinting solutions. To address these challenges, the current study presents the design and development of a modular and cost-effective dual-head bioprinter based on an open-source approach, utilizing Marlin firmware.

The bioprinter is designed to be both versatile and affordable, with features that facilitate its use in a wide range of tissue engineering applications. One of the key features is the integration of multiple power sources, such as compressed air and electricity, to power the printheads. This allows the system to handle different bioinks with varying extrusion requirements. The bioprinter also incorporates a movable printhead mechanism, equipped with a wiper arm to prevent collisions with large printed samples during the printing process. This ensures smooth and uninterrupted printing, even with intricate and complex designs.

Additionally, the bioprinter includes a printhead adapter and modular nozzle kits that can be easily replaced depending on the specific bio-applications and the biomaterials being used. Despite having two positions to mount the printheads, the printer can accommodate up to four different printhead modules and three interchangeable nozzle kits. This flexibility allows for the printing of a wide variety of biomaterials, such as polycaprolactone (PCL) and its composites with sodium alginate (SA), tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and various hydrogel mixtures, including SA, gelatin (GL), and k-carrageenan (κ-Carr).

The modular design of the bioprinter enables the successful fabrication of complex tissue scaffolds using multi-biomaterial printing, showcasing its versatility and potential for a broad range of tissue engineering applications. The ability to combine multiple materials and create intricate structures highlights the bioprinter’s potential to replicate the diverse composition and functionality of native tissues, paving the way for more advanced tissue engineering strategies.

Presenting Author: Tho Truong Do VinUniversity

Presenting Author Biography: Program Director and Assistant professor at College of Computer and Science, VinUniversity, Hanoi, Vietnam. Working in the field of powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing

Authors:

Tho Truong Do VinUniversity
Lan Phung Hanoi University of Science and Technology
Trung Nguyen Hanoi University of Science and Technology
Minh Nguyen University of science and technology of Hanoi
Tuan Ta Hanoi University of Science and Technology
Vuong Pham Hanoi University of Science and Technology