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 bioinkdispensing.

PROJECTS

3D Bioprinted Drug-Eluting Scaffolds

We are focusing on the development ofbioabsorbable scaffolds forvarious biomedicalapplications, including human piercings and cardiovascular stents. Additionally, wefocus on the incorporationof pharmaceutical agentswithin the scaffold to obtain controlled andselective 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 ofviscosity, pressure and nozzle size on the transitiondistance between materials.

Investigationof 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 preparingbioinks.