Project: Sustainable Reinforcement of 3D Printable Material Via Bio-Inspired Mineralization | View Poster (PDF)
Major(s): Bioengineering, IDEAS
Advisor(s): Niels Holten-Anderson
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a powerful tool that enables researchers to design scaffolds with highly specific geometries to meet various project needs. Curing process and tunability are both essential considerations when 3D bioprinting, as a scaffold’s method of synthesis and final mechanical properties are directly tied to, and should match, its desired function. To address these requirements, a novel approach to generating a 3D printed scaffold involves a mineralized material inspired by the extrusion of byssal threads from mussels, which couples the curing process with mechanical tunability. The mineralized hydrogel was synthesized using polyacrylic acid (PAA) crosslinked with calcium carbonate, and underwent an increase in stiffness when exposed to excess calcium ions. Mechanical reinforcement was measured through frequency sweeps on a shear rheometer, revealing that tunability of the material is linked to the curing ion concentration, with higher calcium ion concentration exposure resulting in increased storage and loss moduli. Through rheological evaluation, the minimum calcium ion concentration for curing a 3D printed scaffold was determined, and thus utilized as the aqueous bath concentration for experimentation. Using a 3D bioprinter, the hydrogel ink was extruded using pressure into the calcium ion bath, curing the material to create a stiff, stable printed structure. The hydrogel material is a novel ink to 3D print bio-inspired, mineralized scaffolds with highly tunable mechanical properties that are directly correlated with curing ion concentration.
About Nico Babbio
Nico Babbio is a junior majoring in Bioengineering on the Biomaterials and Biomechanics track with a Minor in Applied Mathematics at Lehigh University’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. As a Research Assistant in the Holten-Andersen Lab, he conducts research on bio-inspired materials for 3D printing applications, focusing on mechanically reinforced hydrogels that utilize calcium ions for a novel curing mechanism. His research interests center around biomaterials and polymer physics, with an emphasis on developing innovative materials for biomedical applications. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a master's degree in Bioengineering and transition into industry to continue working in the field. Beyond academics and research, he enjoys going to the gym, playing guitar and piano, and experimenting with cooking and baking.
About Ethan Bernstein
Ethan Bernstein is a senior undergraduate student from New Jersey studying biomechanical engineering at Lehigh University. He has gained experience with bio-inspired soft material engineering and 3D bioprinting through his two years of lab work under the guidance of Professor Niels Holten-Andersen. His work involved the use of rheology, computer-aided design, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques to characterize and optimize the mineralized hydrogels for 3D printing. Ethan is also a member of BMES and chess club on campus, and enjoys spending time going to the gym and watching shows and movies with his friends. After graduation, Ethan will be continuing his academic studies as a PhD student in the BME program at Boston University.
About Rachel Lischin
Rachel Lischin is a senior in the Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts, and Sciences (IDEAS) Program at Lehigh University, concentrating in Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences, and minoring in Materials Science. Throughout Rachel’s time at Lehigh, she has conducted undergraduate research in both the Environmental Engineering and Bioengineering departments, as well as abroad, thanks to the Iacocca International Internship Program (IIIP). The IIIP took her to Bordeaux, France, where she worked on a project developing a method for the 3D-printing of patient-specific model kidneys. In the Bioengineering department, she is currently working under Dr. Niels Holten-Andersen, developing an embedded 3D-printing method for a bio-inspired hydrogel ink. After completing her BS at Lehigh, she will be moving on to Columbia University to earn her MS in Chemical Engineering. Her career aspiration is to work as a research scientist in the field of sustainable materials.