A Passion Avenue For Science
Introduction
Securing organ donors for surgeries presents a challenging process marked by three main obstacles: failed donor registrations, the need for precise donor matches, and the overwhelming demand for donors. These hurdles often stem from various issues such as medical complications, religious beliefs, and the complexity of finding compatible matches based on factors like ethnicity and transportation logistics. The pressing demand for organs is underscored by the alarming statistic that a new individual is added to the national transplant waiting list in the United States every 10 minutes. Addressing these challenges, this study delves into the development of bioink, utilizing biocompatible materials like gelatin, glucose, and starch. By exploring the composition of bioinks, researchers can make subtle adjustments to tailor the hardness and flexibility of the solution once it cools and sets. Trials have revealed that a 1:1 ratio of tapioca starch to cornstarch produces a bioink with a harder, less adhesive finish, suitable for skin models, while softer variants are ideal for delicate tissues like organs. Moreover, advancements in this area could pave the way for 3D printing organs, offering potential solutions to the shortage of donor organs.
3D Bioprinting
In the realm of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, 3D bioprinting emerges as a crucial technology for simulating native organs and tissues. This innovative approach involves layering biomaterials to replicate the complex structures of tissues, offering numerous advantages such as personalized patient-specific designs, high precision, and cost-effectiveness. The expedited fabrication of intricate structures further enhances the appeal of 3D bioprinting in biomedical applications. As researchers continue to delve into this technology, its potential to revolutionize healthcare by offering bespoke solutions tailored to individual patients becomes increasingly evident.
Bio Ink Solution
Base Formula.
Originally, using Figure 1 (look at the image section) as a base formula for the start of the bio ink experimentation. As it was a formula that required easily accessible materials, it served as an understandable base formula which will be the first formula prototype. By using this formula, the result was in a tender, adhesive gelatin that had a similar appearance to fat. This result however, was too soft and the bio ink that was desired should be harder and less flexible. This desired texture was so that the bio ink solution could be extruded to be shaped as 3D filament for 3D printers.
Final Formula (look at image section, figure 2)
After further research on how to create a harder bio ink once it dries, incorporating the formula to create biodegradable plastic allowed for the desired texture. By using a mixture (ratio 1:1) of tapioca starch and cornstarch, the result after swiping a layer on aluminum foil, the texture was smoother, harder, and became non adhesive. Meanwhile using only rice flour or cornstarch, the result of the solution was a flexible, softer, and adhesive on surfaces, unlike the result of the 1:1 ratio of tapioca starch to cornstarch.
Creation Process of Bio Ink Solution
Using the final formula as the foundation for the bioink solution, this experiment investigates the qualitative differences resulting from varying starch components. One variant employs rice flour exclusively, while the other utilizes a 1:1 ratio of cornstarch and tapioca starch. Following the assembly of materials including gelatin, glycerine, distilled water, tapioca starch, corn starch, rice flour, and citric acid, measurements are conducted according to the formula depicted in Fig. 2 to prepare the two versions of the bioink solution. Subsequently, all measured ingredients are combined in a 250ml beaker equipped with a magnetic stirrer, with the heat set to 280 ℃ and the rotating magnetic field to 220 rpm. The temperature is gradually increased to 45-50℃ to facilitate melting of the starch, gelatin, and citric acid. Once thoroughly combined, the consistency of the two bioink solutions is assessed using a glass rod under the prescribed heat and magnetic field conditions before transferring the solution onto aluminum foil and smoothing it evenly using the glass rod.
((look at image section to see detailed process))
3D Printed Components
The piston mechanism will allow for the bio ink solution to be dispelled in a consistent rate rather than relying on gravity to expel the solution as it would result in an inconsistent rate which is not ideal for 3D printing and may disrupt the finished 3D printed object. The Nema 17 Pancake Stepper Motor will rotate the gear placed on top of it which will result in rotating the gear connected to it. The rotation of this gear will then allow the metal rod to move downwards, creating a piston mechanism that can push the bio ink solution down at consistent rate.
The container will hold the bio ink solution; this approach was inspired by a chocolate 3D printer that was made by Cocoa Press. As the chocolate cannot be extruded into chocolate filaments, modifications have to be made in order to be able to use the chocolate for 3D printing. This is similar to the bio ink solution that is created. Despite being a viscose solution, it does not harden quickly enough like PLA which is a component of 3D filaments (Team Xometry). Hence, adapting the contraption that is being used for the chocolate 3D printer would be essential for the current bio ink solution.
Conclusion, Application and Future Outlook
The future of this bio ink solution is the testing of its biocompatibility with stem cells to create structures for organs and to create skin; testing the water resistance of the dried sample of the bio ink solution; and the extruding test should be conducted to see the possibility of creating bio ink filaments similar to the existing 3D filaments. By experimenting further with these testing in mind, the application of the bio ink solution and extruder into a purchasable product for others would be able to contribute to the field of study of 3D bioprinting. The Distilled Water potential of this research may impact the future of regenerative medicine as it opens the possibility to create a bio ink solution that can serve as the base formula for organ structures. By creating the extruder for the bio ink, this can help in manufacturing the bio ink filaments making them more easily transported and sold for companies, labs, and hospitals that are experimenting in this bioprinting. Furthermore, connecting with universities and hospitals may also be possible after furthering the research on the 3 aspects mentioned (testing biocompability with stem cells to create structures for the water resistance of the dried sample of the bio ink solution; and the extruding test) will allow for this research on bio ink to become a noticeable scientific advancement.
In this work, Adelyne and her mentor determined to create a bio-ink as an innovation in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Bio-ink: A New Age for 3D Printing
2023