In situ defect detection and feedback control with three-dimensional extrusion-based bioprinter-associated optical...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Additive Manufacturing
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Extrusion-based 3D bioprinting is crucial for tissue fabrication but suffers from defects due to material deposition errors.
• These defects cause significant deviations in shape and function between the printed construct and the design model.
• Current methods lack real-time in situ monitoring and feedback for defect correction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present an in situ defect detection and feedback system for extrusion-based 3D bioprinting using 3D optical coherence tomography (3D P-OCT).
• To enable real-time quantification and localization of material deposition errors.
• To facilitate in situ repair and achieve high-fidelity 3D printing.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D P-OCT for real-time, multi-parameter quantification of material deposition (filament size, layer thickness, layer fidelity).
• Quantified and located deposition errors across different printing paths (start-stop, straight-line, turnarounds).
• Implemented a pre-built feedback mechanism adjusting printing parameters (path, pressure, velocity) for real-time control and repair.

Main Results:

• Successfully detected and located material deposition errors in real time.
• Enabled in situ repair of defects, such as broken filaments, after detection.
• Achieved quantitative fidelity analysis through point cloud registration between 3D P-OCT data and the design model.

Conclusions:

• 3D P-OCT provides an effective solution for in situ defect detection and feedback control in 3D bioprinting.
• The system facilitates broken filament repair and quantitative fidelity analysis.
• This technology significantly enhances the accuracy and functionality of 3D bioprinted constructs.