Competitive Advantages
- Maintains cell morphology during assembly process
- Can be incorporated into existing 3D bio printing systems
- Large scale bio printing of 3D tissue
Summary
Current bio printing methods require intermediate structures such as hydrogels, or liquid suspensions as part of the extrusion process. As a result, cells are exposed to high-shear stress when passing through the nozzle. This creates issues with maintaining cell integrity as its morphologic dependent functions are not retained immediately following printing and require a re-adjustment period. While cheaper and quicker than previously mentioned methods, ink-jet bio printing runs into precision issues due to the uncontained, droplet delivery method of the bio ink. This may lead to problems.
USF inventors have improved on this need for both precise and quick bio-printing of larger 3D areas. Our technology allows for cells to be grown in a pre-arranged manner, and then transferred to the desired surface in a stamp like fashion. This is done by utilizing of the cell’s own adhesion response to changes in heat. Once completed, the process can be repeated numerous times until the desired 3D structure is achieved.
Fig. 1: Cells are Grown on the Stamp Fig. 2: The Stamp is Removed Fig. 3: Tissue Transfer via Micro-Contact Stamping
Desired Partnerships
- License
- Sponsored Research
- Co-Development