Processing of cages for spinal fusion from immunomodulatory biomaterials using Extrusion-based 3D printing

• Grant number: 25/17287-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Ana Paula Rosifini Alves
• Grantee: Kerolene Barboza da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEG). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Guaratinguetá. Guaratinguetá , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/14790-2 - Biomimetic spine fusion implants for back pain (BioFusion), AP.TEM

Abstract

The fabrication process of ceramic scaffolds using an extrusion-based additivemanufacturing technique is known as direct ink writing or robocasting Robocasting is anadditive manufacturing technique that involves the direct extrusion of colloidalsystems. This process consists of computer-controlled deposition of a highlyconcentrated suspension, such as ceramic paste, layer by layer through a nozzle. Thesuspension is then extruded into the desired shape. Understanding certain parameters ofbioceramic ink is crucial to achieving high-quality printing. These parameters include inkchemistry, processing additives (such as dispersants, binders, and gelling agents), solidsloading, powder reactivity, ceramic particle size, and particle distribution and they willbe thoroughly studied in WPs 1 and 3. There is a strong correlation between particle sizedistribution and the force needed to extrude ceramic-loaded inks, such that a wide particledistribution allows the formulation of higher particle-loaded inks. Besides slurryrheology, process parameters can be coordinated based on the ceramic slurrycharacteristic behavior in order to achieve a quality build such as Printing speed; Nozzlediameter; Syringe diameter; Extrusion factor.