Mentor: Nicanor Moldovan
Background. 3D Bioprinting is an interdisciplinary activity that combines computer-assisted design (CAD) and simulations with Physics of soft materials (hydrogels) and with Cellular Biology, all integrated and applied for development of Tissue Engineering and other biomedical applications. In this project we will continue our successful MURI program, by engaging undergraduate students from various IUPUI Schools and Departments with the emerging concepts and technologies of 3D bioprinting. In this MURI cycle, we continued the activity of developing techniques and technologies useful in a bioprinting laboratory. Methods and Results. We (re)designed and 3D printed two ear ossicles (incus and malleus), among the smallest bones in human body, using a porous ceramic material; a hydrogel beads generator; and a mobile hydrogel extruder. We also continued to simulate the propagation of a viral infection in a model of printable human histological section. Conclusion. We further applied the principles of additive manufacturing for modeling and generation of concepts and tools for 3D bioprinting.