A Mathematical Model on the Resolution of Extrusion Bioprinting for the Development of New Bioinks

Ratima Suntornnond; Edgar Yong Sheng Tan; Jia An; Chee Kai Chua

doi:10.3390/ma9090756

A Mathematical Model on the Resolution of Extrusion Bioprinting for the Development of New Bioinks

Materials (Basel). 2016 Sep 6;9(9):756. doi: 10.3390/ma9090756.

Authors

Ratima Suntornnond¹, Edgar Yong Sheng Tan², Jia An³, Chee Kai Chua⁴

Affiliations

¹ Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798. ratima001@e.ntu.edu.sg.
² Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798. TA0002AR@e.ntu.edu.sg.
³ Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798. AnJia@ntu.edu.sg.
⁴ Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798. MCKCHUA@ntu.edu.sg.

Abstract

Pneumatic extrusion-based bioprinting is a recent and interesting technology that is very useful for biomedical applications. However, many process parameters in the bioprinter need to be fully understood in order to print at an adequate resolution. In this paper, a simple yet accurate mathematical model to predict the printed width of a continuous hydrogel line is proposed, in which the resolution is expressed as a function of nozzle size, pressure, and printing speed. A thermo-responsive hydrogel, pluronic F127, is used to validate the model predictions. This model could provide a platform for future correlation studies on pneumatic extrusion-based bioprinting as well as for developing new bioink formulations.

Keywords: 3D printing; bioink; bioprinting; extrusion system; pluronic F-127.