Bioprinter development: customization of a 3D printing technology for production of three-dimensional cellular structures

• Grant number: 17/15309-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Duration: July 01, 2018 - March 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Ana Luíza Garcia Millás Massaguer
• Grantee: Ana Luíza Garcia Millás Massaguer
• Host Company: Soluções em Biotecnologia 3D - Elaboração de Projetos Ltda
• CNAE: Fiação de fibras artificiais e sintéticas ; Fabricação de máquinas e equipamentos de uso geral não especificados anteriormente ; Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• City: Campinas
• Pesquisadores principais: Hamilton Angelo Oriente
• Associated researchers: Carolina Caliári Oliveira ; Edison Bittencourt ; Sang Won Han
• Associated grant(s): 19/05274-8 - Bioprinting of vascular grafts and the bioinks used, AP.PIPE
• Associated scholarship(s): 18/14001-2 - A bioprinter development: customization of 3D printing technology for the production of three-dimensional cellular structures, BP.PIPE

Abstract

Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary field that aims to create biological substitutes for the purpose of partially or totally replace tissues or organs that have been affected by any disease or injury. In addition, there is a part of the discipline that develops in vitro models as an alternative to the use of animals in the safety and efficacy evaluation. In order to mimic the nano, micro and macro scales of native tissues and organs, tissue engineering uses non-conventional materials molding technologies, including 3D bioprinters and electrospinning. 3D Bioprinting has emerged as a technological platform that shows potential for significant advances in the areas of tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, in vitro tridiminesion modeling, drug delivery, cosmetics and for the simulation and study of diseases. From a market perspective, it is worth mentioning that the few prototypes available on the market are manufactured abroad and that until now we have not identified domestic producers. In addition, in general the use of bioprinter requires customization and specific assistance which demands a close relationship between the user and the manufacturer. Thus, in view of the impact of this technology in the field of regenerative medicine and commercial possibilities in this emerging market, the aim of this research is to develop a bioprinter of tissues and tridimensional structures using cells suspensions and hydrogels, by local suppliers and to evaluate their technical and commercial viability. To do so, the research is organized in two steps: 1) in the first instance, the focus is on adapting a conventional 3D printer for cell printing purpose, 2) in the second step, the challenge is to test and validate the equipment, and develop formulations of printable materials and cell suspension (bioinks from hydrogels). In the second section, with the equipment already installed in a laminar flow hood, all the chamber asepsis and cell viability tests will be performed. (AU)