3D-Printed Micro-Tweezers with a Compliant Mechanism Designed Using Topology Optimization

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Mechanical Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Advancements in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering necessitate sophisticated handling technologies for microscopic biological samples like cells and spheroids.
• Current methods may lack the precision or adaptability required for manipulating delicate biological structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate micro-tweezers with a compliant mechanism for manipulating organoids.
• To integrate high-resolution microstereolithography and topology optimization for fabricating these micro-manipulation tools.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of micro-tweezers using high-resolution microstereolithography with a blue laser.
• Shape optimization of the micro-tweezers via topology optimization.
• Development of an actuation system with a linear motor stage and force control for operating the micro-tweezers.
• Analytical and experimental examination of micro-tweezer deformation and displacement characteristics.

Main Results:

• The topology-optimized micro-tweezers exhibited displacement proportional to the applied load.
• The achieved displacement was sufficient for grasping biological samples with diameters in the hundreds of micrometers.
• Successful experimental manipulation of a 360 µm diameter organoid was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The combination of microstereolithography and topology optimization provides a viable method for fabricating effective micro-tweezers.
• These micro-tweezers show significant potential for handling various microscopic biological samples in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications.