Dual bio-printing system for cell deposition of hydrogels using a piston-based controlled nozzle

Abstract

In recent years, cell culture has increasingly utilized various 3D scaffolds and hydrogels to promote advanced additive manufacturing within cell culture. Additionally, various types of cell lines have been employed, with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and fibroblasts being among the most commonly used. The aim of this project is to design an automated dual bioprinting system for cell culture. This system will deposit both hydrogels and cells sequentially, creating a foundation for biological tissue.Therefore, reducing the probability of cell culture contamination and decreasing human interaction. To achieve the goal, the project was first designed following specific criteria specifications. This was facilitated by previous cell culture training, which helped in better understanding the necessities of the project.After that, the next step involved simulating the device using CAD software (Solidworks) to create a 3D representation of the system's prototype. This prototype consists of three linear actuators (X-Y-Z axis) and two extruders for each deposited material.Then, the fully virtual device is exported to Matlab Simulink in order to simulate a control process with a PD controller in each actuator and extruder using a sine signal as a reference. Finally the crafting of the prototype was achieved operating tools from the metal crafting laboratory, and experimental processes were started. The study evaluated the feasibility of developing a 3D bioprinting machine. The experiment proved that it is possible to replicate the behavior from the simulated space into a real experiment, using a dual bioprinting system for depositing cells with controlled processes. The error from the control process was below 1% in the virtual enviroment meanwhile in reality the error mantain around 3%. As future work is still to validate the system performing biotic tests with a hydrogel made of alginate and as crosslinker calcium chloride. This system can be further applied in automatized cell culture system, bioprinting on no linear surfaces or even as part of a bioreactor system.