BIOPRINTING
3D Bioprinting is a rapidly expanding field in tissue and biomedical engineering that combines 3D printing and additive technology with biological principles to create intricate cell-laden structures. Our main focus is on developing open-sourced 3D bioprinter systems for cell, hydrogel and bioink dispensing.
PROJECTS
3D Bioprinted Drug-Eluting Scaffolds
We are focusing on the development of bioabsorbable scaffolds for various biomedical applications, including human piercings and cardiovascular stents. Additionally, we focus on the incorporation of pharmaceutical agents within the scaffold to obtain controlled and selective drug delivery.
4D BioPrinting
4D printing involves the incorporation of stimuli-responsive materials to add function to bioprinted structures. We are investigating the use of modifying hydrogels with nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC).
Bioplastic Development for Additive Manufacturing
We are currently developing a bioplastic for additive manufacturing using potato starch and chitosan as the base of the material. The chitosan-starch based material is currently being tested and characterized for production, use and end of life options.
Development of a Low-cost Multi-material Printhead for 3D Bioprinting
We are in the process of characterizing a low-cost multi-material printhead. This includes performing tests to determine the effects of viscosity, pressure and nozzle size on the transition distance between materials.
Investigation of a low-cost, passive mixing printhead
We are researching the ability to use a low-cost, passive mixing device, from Nordson EFD, with different materials and viscosities. This will allow us the ability to reduce the preparation time when preparing bioinks.
