“Cross-disciplinary Innovations: 3D Printing, 4D Printing, Biotechnology, and Robotics”
Nature’s 3D Printer: Insights from Bristle Worms
Unraveling the mysteries of nature’s 3D printer, a recent interdisciplinary study led by molecular biologist Florian Raible from the Max Perutz Labs at the University of Vienna sheds light on the bristles of marine annelid worm Platynereis dumerilii. Published in Nature Communications, the research unveils the astonishing similarities between chaetoblasts, specialized cells in bristle worms, and the operation of technical 3D printers.
These bristles, composed of beta chitin, enable bristle worms to navigate their aquatic habitats. Through a meticulous process akin to 3D printing, chaetoblasts sequentially form bristles from tip to base, akin to layers in additive manufacturing. This process holds promise for biomedical applications, given the unique properties of beta chitin, potentially revolutionizing wound dressings and biodegradable materials.
Key to this process are microvilli-rich chaetoblasts, resembling nozzles in a 3D printer. These structures harbor enzymes crucial for chitin formation, orchestrating the precise shaping of bristles. Collaborating with experts from Vienna University of Technology, Masaryk University in Brno, and the University of Helsinki, the study employs advanced imaging techniques, including serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM), to unveil the dynamic surface of chaetoblasts.
As researchers delve deeper into bristle biogenesis, the potential for future applications expands. Improved resolution imaging aims to uncover finer details, driving advancements in medical products and sustainable materials. From wound healing to eco-friendly alternatives, the insights gleaned from nature’s 3D printer promise a future ripe with innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Peer-Reviewed Publication. UNIVERSITY OF VIENNA. Nature’s 3D printer: bristle worms form bristles piece by piece.
Ultra-Thin Multi-Material Tubular Structures with 3D Printing
In manufacturing technology, researchers at Beihang University have unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in 3D printing: the ability to create ultra-thin multi-material tubular structures with remarkable precision. This technique, known as Polar-coordinate Line-projection Light-curing Production (PLLP) technology, opens new avenues for customization in fields like dentistry, aerospace, and beyond.
Published in the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, the research conducted by Beihang University scientists marks a significant milestone in additive manufacturing. Led by Professor Jiebo Li from the School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, the team devised an innovative approach to overcome the limitations of traditional Cartesian coordinate-based 3D printing methods. “Smooth ultra-thin tubular structures are common in biomedical engineering,” explains Professor Li. “Conventional Cartesian coordinate systems pose challenges in manufacturing such intricate geometries. By adopting a polar coordinate system, we envisioned a more efficient and precise method for fabricating these structures.”
Central to the breakthrough is the Polar-coordinate Line-projection Light-curing Production (PLLP) technology. Unlike conventional methods that rely on Cartesian coordinates, PLLP technology leverages a rotating mandrel as the substrate, enabling the creation of intricate tubular structures with unparalleled smoothness and precision. Through patterned light illumination, tiny solidified polymeric structures are meticulously crafted on the rotating mandrel, offering a seamless fabrication process for multi-material tubular components. This innovative approach not only enhances manufacturing speed but also ensures superior surface quality, making it ideal for applications in biomedical engineering and beyond.
The implications of this breakthrough extend far beyond the realm of academia. With PLLP technology, researchers foresee rapid advancements in customization methods for tubular grafts, offering tailored solutions for patients in need of intricate medical interventions. The industries such as dentistry and aerospace stand to benefit from the versatility and precision of PLLP technology. From intricate dental implants to lightweight aerospace components, the potential applications are limitless.
As researchers continue to refine PLLP technology, the future of 3D printing appears brighter than ever. With ongoing efforts to improve forming speed and resolution, PLLP holds the promise of transforming manufacturing processes across diverse industries. The power of additive manufacturing, and Beihang University researchers are paving the way for a new era of innovation and customization. From ultra-thin tubular structures to complex multi-material components, the possibilities are endless. With advancements like PLLP technology, we stand on the brink of a manufacturing revolution that will shape the future of industries around the globe.
By Science X staff. Researchers develop new 3D printing for ultra-thin multi-material tubular structures.
