Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BIOELE (Functional Biointerface Elements via Biomicrofabrication)

Teaser

This proposal aims to develop a new multi-material, cross-length scale biofabrication platform, with specific focus in making future smart bionic devices. In particular, a new mechanism is proposed to smoothly interface diverse classes of materials, such that an active device...

Summary

This proposal aims to develop a new multi-material, cross-length scale biofabrication platform, with specific focus in making future smart bionic devices. In particular, a new mechanism is proposed to smoothly interface diverse classes of materials, such that an active device component can be ‘shrunk’ into a single small fibre. The results from this project are envisaged to contribute to our understanding in the function of biological systems, as well as improving the functionality and durability of electrical implants for treating diseases.

Work performed

The major achievements in Period 1 are (1) the installation of the optical system, and the instrumentation framework; (2) building of a 3D printing set up with combines low voltage electrospinning patterning and 3D printing. (3) the establishment of some protocols for cell cultures in the 3D bioprinting context.

Final results

Micro-nano fibres assembled in an aligned, single-layered array can exhibit excellent transparency due to the low level of light absorption associated with individual fibre thickness. Building two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) architects using these fibre array could offer exciting prospects for applications spanning from sensors, to tissue engineering scaffolds. Existing fibre spinning techniques have been tailored for producing micro-to-nano scale fibers, but can be restrictive in the design of macroscopic fiber architectures in the 3D space, and the choice of fibre materials. To address these technological gaps, we report two new fibre spinning techniques: first, 3D-LEP which combines low voltage electrospinning (LEP) and additive manufacturing to pattern suspended fiber layers in multiple tiers and designable orientations; and secondly, an efficient inflight fluidic fibre deposition process to produce conducting fibres. Using these techniques, we demonstrate biological applications utilising fiber topography to guide the assembly of cellular aggregates in a 3D culture context; optoelectronic applications showing unconventional transparent, suspended fibre-array electronics; and a high performance, self-powered acoustic sensor based on a piezoelectric polymer.

Website & more info

More info: http://www.eng.cam.ac.uk/profiles/yysh2.