Below is the end product. As stated in my design hypothesis, the three layers represent the structural combination of human cells, algae, and extracellular matrix. This, according to my research sources, is a potential solution to making 3D printed human cells turn into an active system with efficient vascularity.
I have started on cutting the work! I am up to the animal cell part as shown below.
Below is the drawn design in preparation to cut.
The most interesting and promising strategies that I found in the resources are the use of algal cells to increase vascularity of 3D printed human cells. Researchers in Germany have proposed that 3D printing human cells with algae and metabolites in an interlocking scaffold could develop into an active, self-maintaining series of cells, tissues, or organs.
These researches conducted by David Kolesky et al and Yahui Zhang additionally support that photosynthetic cells are required in the structure of mammalian tissue. Kolesky describes the process as layering a surface of extracellular matrix on a surface of algal cells and the on a surface of human cells. After giving the printed cells some time, the different layers would intermix and be a fully functional group.
A possible visual idea would be cutting an intricate design involving layers of different designs. Each different design would represent a different material, and the characteristics of the design will be related to its function. For example, the bottom layer is of human cells, so the design would be rounded, and more spacious. The second layer, which would e the algae layer, would be more structured, spiky looking elements to represent algae. The third layer would be the extracellular matrix, would be look stringy and spontaneous to resemble metabolism. Then, on the top of the paper cutting, there would be a nozzle that is printing the next layer to the structure. The work will be pattern-oriented rather than subject-oriented. Below is the diagram in which the patterns I have brainstormed are inspired, and the next image is a general sketch of my vision.
Below are the resources that I am beginning my research with:
1. http://techcrunch.com/2015/05/04/biobots-is-a-3d-printer-for-living-cells/
In the article, biobots are described, which are the special 3D printers that make living cells.
2. http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v32/n8/full/nbt.2958.html
The research review discusses the general process in which 3D printers create tissues and organs.
3. http://www.gizmag.com/biobots-biological-3d-printer/37328/
This article and video explains how biobots work.
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organ_printing
Wikipedia describes the various processes of organ printing, which may be helpful to printing the basic units of life – cells.
5. http://3dprint.com/50379/3d-print-algae-human-cells/
Because research on 3D printing human cells has not fully matured, researchers found that 3D printing algae could help in the process.
6. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.201305506/full
The article addresses the lack of vascularity in 3D printed human cells which is a problem. It also proposes solutions to increasing vascularity.
7. http://3dprint.com/7729/3d-print-organs-vascular/
The article describes the complexity of vasculature in living organs and cells.
8. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142961214006401
The report explains how a group of scientists bioprinted vascularity with a method they created.
9. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142961209006401
This report describes a method of bioprinting vascular tissue without establishing a platform or scaffold.
10. http://www.ascb.org/3d-printing-cell-biology-and-beyond/
This article proposes the challenge or printing vascularity.
11. http://ir.uiowa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5317&context=etd.
This report describes a vascular fabrication process in detail.
My curiosity for bioprinting centers around the question of: How do you print life without the help of mother nature? But after further research, my question has become more specific: How do you bioprint vascularization? This will be my research topic for the rest of the semester.
I am passionate about paper cutting, and that was the first thing that came to mind. I am hoping to create an explanation from my research in a visual paper cutting piece. However, I do not know how I am going to do that since most of my research will be heavy on the technical side.
To complete the deliverable, six major steps that I must take are:
1. Decide on a research topic to focus on. (Deadline: Wednesday, November 18)
Update: As seen above, I have decided on researching the question: How do you bioprint vascularization?
2. Research from at least five more resources regarding the topic. (Deadline: Monday, November 23)
Update: http://3dprint.com/7729/3d-print-organs-vascular/, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142961214006401, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142961209006401, http://www.ascb.org/3d-printing-cell-biology-and-beyond/, http://ir.uiowa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5317&context=etd.
3. Come up with a visual idea. (Deadline: Monday, November 30)
Update: Click here to view the post.
4. Start translating the idea onto paper. (Deadline: Wednesday, December
Update: Click here to view the post.
5. Start cutting the piece. (Deadline: Monday, December 7)
Update: Click here to view the post.
6. Finish cutting the piece. (Deadline: Monday, December 14)
Update: Click here to view the post.