Aug. 4, 2014
The ability to bio-print tissues and organs could allow us to solve a myriad of major diseases and trauma injuries. These years researchers have made many giant leaps towards this goal, from bio-printing artificial vascular networks mimicking the body's circulatory system, to making living tissues.
Just last week, Kentucky-based Advanced Solutions announced the launch of the next generation in 3D printing: The BioAssemblyBot and TSIM Lab Quest tabletop workstation, an integrated workstation with a multi-axis robot that enables 3D tissue assembly of organic shapes, a key step in realizing functional biological structures for human purposes.
How does it work?
Beginning with TSIM (Tissue Structure Information Modeling) Software, a CAD program for biology, users will construct biological models that can then be fabricated utilizing the BioAssemblyBot. The TSIM allows users to enhance the precision and functional specifications of any tissue structure design, it also supports a material data management system which provides the ability to define, create, query, update, administer, and attach data attributes (e.g. cell type, viscosity, etc.) to objects within the model.
TSIM then translates the precise 3D coordinates of the tissue structure model and attributes (e.g. cell layers, types, locations, etc.) to the BioAssemblyBot. Next, the BioAssemblyBot will automatically calibrate the position of the arm using laser sensors. The robot arm then moves to the storage rack, selects the proper syringe from the storage rack based on the assigned material from the TSIM Software, and dispenses the exact amount of material in order to construct the biological model.
Starting at US$159,995 (includes the TSIM software), the patent pending innovation utilizes a six-axis robot arm, and up to ten independent delivery systems can be loaded in the workstation during a single print run, enhancing the range and scope of assembled structures.
The BioAssemblyBot also features 20µm accuracy and 300mm (w) x 250mm (d) x 150mm (h) print area. In addition it facilitates automated syringe exchange, syringe tip auto-calibration, and stage leveling utilities. A video camera displys live feed from inside the BioAssemblyBot.
Watch below the TSIM and BioAssemblyBot demonstration:
According to James Hoying, PhD for the Cardiovascular Innovation Institute, the TSIM and BAB allow them to easily design and fabricate biological constructs. He says, "with TSIM, my team can minimize empirical efforts writing scripts and troubleshooting print-runs: I can create the desired cellular structure, manipulate, instruct the printer what material to be printed and the integrated system handles the rest, fabricating in real space the object I created in 3D computer space. This is a wonderful, enabling platform for my work."
Posted in 3D Printers
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