Optimization of 3D bioprinting on nanofiber substrates for tissue replacements

Abstract

The primary objective of this project was to optimize the bioprinting on nanofiber substrates. We developed the configurations required to print constructs on a square nanofiber sheet of collagen/PCL blend. A fixture was designed specifically for this purpose. The structure was tested in sterile conditions and verified to survive the high temperatures of an autoclave and a custom bioprinter. We programmed the path of the extruding nozzle to function with the nanofiber fixture as the customized bed profile and configurations. The bioink composition had to be optimized along with the printability of the constructs. Cell experimentation was done to check the viability and distribution of cells in the constructs made from bioink. We created an algorithm for image processing and image analysis for cell counting. The printability of the constructs on nanofiber sheets and the analytical data generated via image processing code was then studied to be improved.

The primary objective of this project was to optimize the bioprinting on nanofiber substrates. We developed the configurations required to print constructs on a square nanofiber sheet of collagen/PCL blend. A fixture was designed specifically for this purpose. The structure was tested in sterile conditions and verified to survive the high temperatures of an autoclave and a custom bioprinter. We programmed the path of the extruding nozzle to function with the nanofiber fixture as the customized bed profile and configurations. The bioink composition had to be optimized along with the printability of the constructs. Cell experimentation was done to check the viability and distribution of cells in the constructs made from bioink. We created an algorithm for image processing and image analysis for cell counting. The printability of the constructs on nanofiber sheets and the analytical data generated via image processing code was then studied to be improved.