3D Printing
Hydrogels
Advanced Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering
Project Summary
Bioprinting advanced biomaterials for tissue engineering
3D Printing Hydrogels is a biomedical engineering research project within the Functional Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Lab at Florida Tech. As an undergraduate research assistant, I work with advanced biomaterials including Gelma, MECM-P, MECM-F, and MECM-2 hydrogels that combine decellularized meniscal extracellular matrix (ECM) with polymers like PCL (polycaprolactone) or GelMA (gelatin methacrylate) to create tissue-engineered scaffolds.
My research responsibilities include preparing solutions and samples for microscopy and imaging, configuring and operating 3D bioprinting equipment with precise parameter control, and performing biomaterial manipulation for scaffold fabrication. I conduct cell culturing procedures to assess biocompatibility and tissue integration, while utilizing rheological testing to characterize mechanical properties including viscosity, elasticity, and yield stress.
The research employs advanced analytical techniques including image processing software (ImageJ) to measure print consistency and structural integrity, alongside NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy via MestReNova for molecular characterization. This multi-modal approach enables comprehensive assessment of hydrogel performance for tissue engineering applications in meniscus repair and regenerative medicine.
Hydrogel Formulations
MECM-based bioinks for tissue engineering
Experimental Process
Comprehensive characterization workflow
Solution Preparation
Prepared hydrogel solutions and biomaterial samples following precise protocols. Mixed decellularized meniscal ECM with polymer components, optimizing concentration ratios for desired viscosity and biocompatibility.
3D Bioprinting Operations
Loaded bioink into extrusion-based 3D printer, configured printing parameters including nozzle temperature, printing speed, and layer height. Adjusted settings during printing to optimize scaffold quality and structural integrity.
Biomaterial Manipulation
Manipulated printed biomaterial scaffolds for post-processing, including crosslinking procedures, surface treatments, and structural modifications to enhance mechanical properties and cell adhesion characteristics.
Cell Culturing
Conducted cell culture procedures to assess biocompatibility of hydrogel scaffolds. Maintained sterile conditions, monitored cell viability, and evaluated cell proliferation on biomaterial substrates.
Rheological Characterization
Performed rheological testing to measure viscosity, storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G''), and yield stress. Analyzed shear-thinning behavior and viscoelastic properties critical for bioprinting applications.
Microscopy & Imaging
Prepared samples for microscopic analysis, performed imaging procedures, and utilized ImageJ for quantitative assessment of pore size, structural uniformity, and print fidelity across hydrogel formulations.
Research Gallery
Equipment, samples, and characterization
Research Outcomes
Mechanical and structural characterization results
Viscosity Analysis
Rheological testing revealed optimal viscosity ranges for each formulation, with MECM-based hydrogels demonstrating shear-thinning behavior critical for extrusion-based bioprinting.
Elasticity Characterization
Storage modulus (G') measurements indicated solid-like behavior post-printing, with values comparable to native meniscus tissue, suggesting appropriate mechanical properties for load-bearing applications.
Yield Stress Evaluation
Yield stress analysis confirmed structural integrity across formulations, with polymer-reinforced variants showing enhanced resistance to deformation under physiological loading conditions.
Molecular Characterization
NMR spectroscopy validated chemical composition and crosslinking efficiency, with ImageJ analysis confirming consistent pore size distribution and print fidelity across multiple samples.
Skills Demonstrated
Research techniques and analytical methods