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Automated Robotic Dispensing Technique for Surface Guidance and Bioprinting of Cells
Published on: November 18, 2016
Cell settling effects on a thermal inkjet bioprinter.
Matthew E Pepper1, Vidya Seshadri, Timothy Burg
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Institute for Biological Interfaces of Engineering at Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0915, USA.
Summary
Cell settling in bioprinters affects cell delivery consistency. Initial cell output increased then decreased, influenced by cartridge usage, impacting printing accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Bioprinting technology
- Cellular engineering
- Fluid dynamics in biological systems
Background:
- Consistent cell delivery is crucial for bioprinting applications.
- Thermal inkjet bioprinters face challenges with cell distribution in reservoirs.
- Stokes' law provides a theoretical basis for predicting cell settling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify cell settling in a bioprinter's reservoir.
- To determine the impact of cell settling on cell delivery per printed drop.
- To investigate the relationship between cell settling and bioprinting consistency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a bioprinter based on the thermal inkjet HP26A cartridge.
- Modeled cell concentration changes using Stokes' law.
- Monitored cell output over multiple use cycles.
Main Results:
- Observed an initial linear increase in cell concentration at the reservoir bottom, as predicted.
- Cell output in printed drops initially followed the predicted trend but then peaked and decreased.
- The rate and timing of cell output decrease correlated with the number of cartridge use cycles.
Conclusions:
- Cell settling significantly affects cell delivery consistency in bioprinting.
- Bioprinting processes require adjustments to mitigate cell settling effects.
- Findings offer guidance for optimizing bioprinter modifications to ensure uniform cell printing.
