Images
3D Bioprinting using Nano.
Image Posted on Updated on
Magnetic 3D bioprinting uses magnetic nanoparticles to 3D print cell structures. The magnetic nanoparticles are biocompatible they can be in contact with living cells without causing adverse effects. The process makes cells magnetic by tagging them with magnetic particles. Once the cells become magnetic, external magnetic forces are used to 3D printed the cells into specific cell structures. A technique called magnetic levitation is used to levitate cells in a container using a magnet above the container. Levitation of the cells causes the cells to aggregate rapidly.
The first 3D bioprinting system was commercially made available by Nano3D Biosciences. This technology is targeted for use in the pharmaceutical industry. This technology can be used for building simple cellular structures such as spheroids and rings as well as complex structures such as aortic valves.
3D Printed wearable skin.
Image Posted on Updated on
According to Neri Oxman, “This is the first time that 3D printing technology has been used to produce a photosynthetic wearable piece with hollow internal channels designed to house microorganisms. Inspired by the human gastrointestinal tract, Mushtari hosts synthetic microorganisms, a co-culture of photosynthetic cyanobacteria and E. coli bacteria that can fluoresce bright colors in darkness and produce sugar or biofuels when exposed to the sun. Such functions will in the near future augment the wearer by scanning our skins, repairing damaged tissue and sustaining our bodies, an experiment that has never been attempted before.”
3D printing materials – glass.
Image Posted on Updated on
Printing transparent glass in 3-D
According to the 3D printing material,” using glass is difficult because of the high temperatures required to melt the material used for 3D printing. Technologies for 3D printing using glass exist so far mainly in research labs and Universities. Some of these efforts are described below.
In 2009, researchers at Solheim Rapid Manufacturing Laboratory of the University of Washington developed a process called Vitraglyphic. In this process, powdered glass is mixed with an adhesive material and loaded into a 3D printer. A binder is deposited into the powdered mixture and used for 3D printing shapes. These shapes were put in a kiln so that the layers of glass fuse and create a solid glass object. The team used a similar procedure to 3D print ceramics objects.
In another effort, researchers led by Professor Neri Oxman of MIT’s Mediated Matter Group developed a 3D printer that extrudes molten glass. The 3D printer maintains a nozzle through which the glass is extruded at temperatures of about 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit. This is significantly higher than the temperatures used for other 3D printing, for example, plastic.
An Israel-based company Micron3DP has also announced that they have developed an extruder that can 3D print using molten glass at temperatures as high as 1640 degrees Celsius.¨
Glass casting meets the digital age: 3-D glass printing method developed.
3D printing using molten glass.
Image Posted on Updated on
According to the Israel-based company Micron3DP, ” they have announced that they have developed technology for 3D printing objects using molten glass. Micron3DP specializes in high-end extruders, hot ends, and accessories for 3d printing. They have developed an extruder for extruding extremely hot molten glass. The extruder can 3D print objects using soft glass or soda-lime glass at a temperature of 850 degrees Celsius. The extruder can even extrude hard glass or borosilicate glass at a temperature of 1640 degrees Celsius. Micron3DP is looking for investors to invest in their glass 3D printing technology.¨
3D printing functional optical components.
Image Posted on Updated on
According to LUXeXcel the conventional 3D printing techniques,” we are not able to 3D print functional optics. These 3D printers may be able to 3D print transparent materials but fail to achieve optical properties such as surface roughness and scattering. LUXeXcel, a company based in The Netherlands has developed print optical technology that can 3D print fully transparent, smooth, and optically functional optical components such as lenses.
LUXeXcel uses a photopolymer material for 3D printing. LUXeXcel created the world’s first 3D printed reading glasses including the frames and the lenses for the Dutch Monarchs. However, their services are not limited to royalty but available to the general public as well. LUXeXcel’s website allows users to upload designs and order 3D printed optics. The design can be uploaded in a variety of file formats and has to conform to their design guidelines. They promise to 3D print a design within 5 working days of placing the order. The print optical technology has used in automotive, medical, lighting, aerospace, and other industries.¨
LUXeXcel.
3D printing material, ABS.
Image Posted on Updated on
ABS is a petroleum-based plastic. ABS is non-biodegradable. ABS is a strong and durable material. Therefore it is used in various products including protective headgear, golf club heads, carrying cases, enclosures for electronic assemblies, kitchen appliances, and toys including Lego bricks. ABS is soluble in acetone, i.e., nail polish remover.
ABS is extruded at temperatures of 210-250°C. Heating up ABS causes fumes to be released. These fumes are usually tolerable but may cause irritation in people with chemical sensitivities. These fumes include chemicals that are known to be carcinogenic. Therefore, 3D printing using ABS should be performed with caution and in places with adequate ventilation.
3D printing material, PLA.
Image Posted on Updated on
Poly Lactic Acid or PLA is made from organic material, for example, cornstarch, tapioca, or sugarcane. PLA is used in the production of bags, food packaging, disposable utensils, plastic bags, and so on. PLA is used as surgical implants such as anchors, rods, pins, or plates. If inserted in the body, PLA breaks into harmless lactic acid within 6 months to a couple of years. The slow degradation helps the body to slowly take over the role of the implanted structure as it recovers.
Since PLA is made from renewable resources, it is one of the most environmentally friendly materials used for 3D printing. PLA is extruded at a temperature of 160°C to 220°C. Since PLA has a low melting temperature, parts made from PLA can warp under heated conditions. When heated for 3D printing, PLA emits a sweet smell similar to corn. These are not harmful fumes and therefore PLA can be used for 3D printing indoors. PLA comes in most colors including translucent and glows in the dark. PLA cools slowly and therefore some 3D printers install a fan to cool down the 3D printed material. When PLA cools down it is tough but rather brittle. PLA has become a popular choice of material for 3D printing due to its environmental friendliness and low toxicity.
3D printing living tissue.
Image Posted on Updated on
According to Organovo,” this is a medical research company headquartered in San Diego which designs and develops three-dimensional human tissue. The living 3D printed tissue can be used for testing drugs before giving the drugs to a real person. Organovo uses a proprietary bioprinting platform called NovoGen for 3D printing tissue.
Pharmaceutical companies conventionally perform testing on animals or on cells in Petri-dishes. Both methods of testing are very different from testing on a living person. Therefore several clinical trials fail when tried on the living person even if they were considered successful on animals or cells in petri-dish. Organovo technology bridges this gap by providing 3D tissue models that are much closer to a living person. Pharmaceutical companies can use the 3D tissues developed using this technology for testing.
In 2014 Organovo announced the commercial release of exVive3DTM Human Liver Tissue for preclinical drug discovery testing. In April 2015, Organovo presented results of 3D printing in vitro 3D kidney tissue at the 2015 Experimental Biology conference in Boston. In 2015 L’Oreal signed an agreement with Organovo to produce 3D-printed skin for use in testing cosmetics. The long-term goal of Organovo’s 3D bioprinting technology is to be able to create organs for transplantation.¨
- ← Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 5
- Next →