Current Projects
Schwann Scaffolds: Bioprinting fibrin-factor XIII hydrogel scaffolds
Because fibrin is difficult to manipulate because of its defined microstructure, this study was a novel one of mixing it with the thrombin solution (thrombin has anticoagulant and procoagulant properties which helps with the regulation of blood clotting) and utilizing PVA and HA to increase solution viscosity. Additionally, clotting factor XIII was included to increase crosslinking, which influences the mechanical and biophysical properties of the cells. In this study, extrusion-based bioprinting was used to induce longitudinal alignment of the fibrin fibers, which in turn aligned the encapsulated Schwann cells, which helped to form the physical properties of the printed structure. Overall, the fibrin-factor XIII-HA helps to mimic the fibrin clot that forms between the injured nerve ends. The aligned Schwann cells would provide natural guidance of the neurite growth. It can also be noted that this process can potentially be used for other types of bodily regeneration.
Members: Erzhen Chen, Mona Li, Jessica Lin, Vitto Resnick (Website Chair, Team Co-Lead), Rachelle Smith (Team Co-Lead)
TMJ Disk
We are focused on creating a replacement Temporomandibular Joint Disc (TMJ) that is anatomically accurate and printed with a material that can handle repeated stress and strain from everyday movement. Currently, we have a 3d model for the TMJ disc, and the materials to make it have been ordered, so this semester will mostly be printing and testing out these models! Join this team to learn more about the patent process, the major stress this disc endures every time you talk or eat, computational modeling of possible tweaks to our prototypes, and test out your favorite ways of destroying hundreds of dollars worth of materials!
Members: Sofia Theodoras (team lead), Garrett Yoe, Andrew Wong, Ilgin Cevik, laura Aliyeva, Peter Colias, Preksha Mittal, Rohan Kudchadker, Sabrina Wu, Viviana Tran, Wilson Sarosa
Cardiac EcoPolymer
Our current project aims to use synthetic hydrogel-based materials to establish and create a CAD prototype for a transplantable, biodegradable 3D-bioprinted aortic valve that mimics human tissue, with a strong emphasis on environmental friendliness, sustainability, and non-toxicity.
Members: Adithya Sivakumar (Team Co-Lead), Riya Jain (Team Co-Lead), Allison Lee, Ali Tamadon, Sabrina Spatny, Niveditha Sukesh, Dina Khabaz, Jack Wong, Su Kyung Lee, Mahika Bansal, Halime Yilmaz, Isabella Ilacad, Leo Huang, Quinn Elliot, Touss Majidi, Sanoja Sridevan, Divyasree Chintamani, Lauren Chiang
Past Projects
Having settled on a tentatively optimistic hydrogel formulation, the bioscience team is now testing ideal print parameters to force the gel to better undergo the sol-gel transition. The current goal of the team is to maintain fluid rheology in the print cartridge while catalyzing rapid gelation as soon as hydrogel leaves the nozzle. The first solution we would like to investigate is a refrigerated print chamber. Alternative solutions involve crosslinking and reformulation of the hydrogel.
Closer than ever before to printing actual cell-gel artificial tissue constructs, the bioscience team is also aiming to lock down a cell-gel mixing protocol this semester. When that protocol is finalized, the team will be able to begin printing cells and running viability assays — a major leap forward in our student-run organization dedicated to bioprinting.