Printing Micrometer-Sized BioScaffolds

By on July 26th, 2011 in Usage

Tags:

Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute have developed a new way to 3D print bioscaffolds. Scaffolds are three dimensional structures on which organic material (cells) may grow into properly formed tissue structures. Typically the scaffold then dissolves, leaving the newly formed tissue. The new process involves hitting a liquid concoction mixture of polymers and proteins with a microchip laser pulse – but one only picoseconds in duration. The extremely short pulse is sufficient to cause reactions that solidify the liquid, but not long enough to damage any of the biomaterial. This technique permits 3D printing of biostructures with a resolution of as little as a micrometer! 
 
The researchers hope to use the technology produce tiny cells scaffolds that will enable close study of cell growth patterns in three dimensions, which is not entirely understood. 
 
Image credit: Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

By Kerry Stevenson

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has written over 8,000 stories on 3D printing at Fabbaloo since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!

Leave a comment