| dc.description.abstract | Scaffolds are porous, three-dimensional structures that promote and
facilitate interactions between biological signals, cells, and the environment. Scaffolds
must help create the extracellular matrix and be mechanically and geometrically
equivalent to the native tissue. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) technologies have
emerged as a universal scaffold production platform to combine various biomaterials
into multiphasic scaffolds. Limitations of the technology include the cost of the
commercial equipment, small build volume, and inability to create chemical self
crosslinking. A unique screw extruder has been designed to work with two peristaltic
pumps, providing continuous printing and material mixing. A controller system
consisting of hardware design and firmware programming was implemented. The
controller was applied to regulate the temperature of the printing head, peristaltic pump,
and user interface. The chamber was built from profiled aluminum and glass to control
humidity and temperature and avoid infection. A specialized mainboard from MKS was
used for the printer controller, including chamber temperature and humidity control.
Design, fabrication, and testing of a low-cost 3D bioprinter with self-mixing ability and
temperature control are presented. The designed equipment presents positive results in
printability, mixing capacity, operation, and user-friendliness. | en_US |
