Improving Cell Viability and Velocity in μ-Extrusion Bioprinting with a Novel Pre-Incubator Bioprinter and a Standard FDM 3D Printing Nozzle

Abstract

Bioprinting is a promising emerging technology. It has been widely studied by the scientific community for the possibility to create transplantable artificial tissues, with minimal risk to the patient. Although the biomaterials and cells to be used are being carefully studied, there is still a long way to go before a bioprinter can easily and quickly produce printings without harmful effects on the cells. In this sense, we have developed a new μ-extrusion bioprinter formed by an Atom Proton 3D printer, an atmospheric enclosure and a new extrusion-head capable to increment usual printing velocity. Hence, this work has two main objectives. First, to experimentally study the accuracy and precision. Secondly, to study the influence of flow rates on cellular viability using this novel μ-extrusion bioprinter in combination with a standard FDM 3D printing nozzle. Our results show an X, Y and Z axis movement accuracy under 17 μm with a precision around 12 μm while the extruder values are under 5 and 7 μm, respectively. Additionally, the cell viability obtained from different volumetric flow tests varies from 70 to 90%. So, the proposed bioprinter and nozzle can control the atmospheric conditions and increase the volumetric flow speeding up the bioprinting process without compromising the cell viability.

Fused deposition modelling: Current status, methodology, applications and future prospects

“…In these cases, the technology used was bioprinting, which deals with polymer gels where no melting of polymers occurs. This promising emerging technology is capable of deposition of cells and biochemical components layer by layer to create defined structures using materials, bioactive molecules and cells [255]. It should be mentioned that although most surgical tools serve a wide variety of patients, some operations may require the use of unique instruments [226].…”

Methodology for characterizing the printability of hydrogels

“…The proposed methodology saves time and money in bioprinting research, bringing researchers closer to a positive result. The development of this methodology for characterizing the printability of hydrogels in the area of bioprinting is not possible without the INMA group’s experience in the analysis of hydrogels [ 14 , 32 - 35 ] .…”

3D printing dielectric elastomers for advanced functional structures: A mini‐review

“…(b) The mechanism and application of a piezoelectric mechanical printer and a piezoelectric acoustic printer. 34,35 Reprinted with permission from Computer Methods in Biomechanics. [Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com] F I G U R E 4 Extrusion printers whose printing process is line by line, and they can also print artificial tissues.…”

“…(a) The mechanism and application of a thermal inkjet printer, 32–34 Reprinted with permission from Nature Communications, NanoLetters , and Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews . (b) The mechanism and application of a piezoelectric mechanical printer and a piezoelectric acoustic printer 34,35 . Reprinted with permission from Computer Methods in Biomechanics .…”