QBI Neuroscience Seminar: 3D Bioprinting – New Dimensions for Bionics
Event Details
- Date:
- Wednesday, 04 February 2015 - Wednesday, 04 February 2015
- Time:
- 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Room:
- QBI Level 7 Auditorium
- UQ Location:
- Queensland Brain Institute (St Lucia)
- URL:
- http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/neuroscience-seminars
- Event category(s):
Event Contact
- Name:
- Ms Deirdre Wilson
- Phone:
- 66300
- Email:
- d.wilson5@uq.edu.au
- Org. Unit:
- Queensland Brain Institute
Event Description
- Full Description:
- Seminar Speaker: Professor Gordon Wallace
Title:3D Bioprinting – New Dimensions for Bionics
Abstract:
Introduction
The advent of organic conductors (1) such as inherently conducting polymers, carbon nanotubes and graphene has greatly increased the inventory of electromaterials available to the modern bionics engineer.
These materials can be manipulated to facilitate electrode-cellular interactions and to enhance the efficacy of bionic communication with living cells. We have demonstrated the ability to promote electronic communication, most recently using the extraordinary properties of carbon nanotube structures (2) and graphene (3) to provide platforms capable of muscle cell and nerve cell communication respectively.
In parallel with such fundamental material studies – many in this field have been acutely aware of the need for alternative methods of fabrication if devices containing them are to be realised. We, and many others, have been involved in the development of printing techniques as well as fibre spinning / knitting / weaving with a view to achieving this.
Results
Here we will focus on 3D printing wherein structures are created layer by layer with the ability to spatially distribute multiple components throughout the final structure. For bionic devices printing of the structural and electronic conducting components is essential. Structural elements may comprise synthetic materials such as PDMS or naturally occurring chitosan, for example. Conducting elements may comprise inherently conducting polymers, nanostructured carbons or metals.
Recently investigations into the use of bio active components (e.g. drugs, growth factors) in combination with bionic devices have gathered pace. The ability to distribute such materials throughout the structure using 3D printing is attractive. This can be used to develop appropriate bioactive release profiles (4) or to create bioactive gradients within the structure. The ultimate bioactive centre within a bionic structure is perhaps living cells (5,6,7) and rapid progress is being made in that area.
Conclusion
In summary, additive fabrication and in particular 3D printing has enhanced our ability to create advanced structures for medical bionics.
Here we present the remarkable advances in biomaterials that are colliding with advances in fabrication (3D Bioprinting) and now challenging how we think about this critical area.
New ebook on 3D Bioprinting – check out https://3dbioprint.creatavist.com/3dbioprinting
References
(1) Wallace, G.G., Moulton, S.E., Higgins, M.J., Kapsa, R.M.I. “Organic Bionics” Wiley-VCH Verlag & Co. KGaA, Boschstr. 12, 69469 Weinheim, Germany 2012.
(2) Quigley, A.F. et al. Advanced Healthcare Materials 2012, 1, 801-808.
(3) Sherrell, P.C. et al. Advanced Functional Materials 2014, 24, 769-776.
(4) Rattanakit, P. et al. International Journal of Pharmaceutics 2012, 422, 254-263.
(5) Ferris, C.J. et al. Biomaterials Science 2013, 1, 224-230.
(6) Ferris, C.J. et al. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 2013, 97, 4243-4258.
(7) Chung, J.H.Y. et al. Biomaterials Science 2013, 1, 763-773.
Directions to UQ
- Google Map:
-
- Directions:
- St Lucia Campus | Gatton campus.
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