Printing of HS-5 cells using DIY bioprinter

• Main Author: Yeo, Chee Wee
• Other Authors: M Rajaretnam
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/60242
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Due to the high cost of commercially available bioprinter, there is a need to develop a cheaper and functional bioprinter. In this study, a DIY bioprinter based on inkjet print head was successfully assembled at a cost of ~$200, and was tested for its ability to print cells. The suitable parameters of the base ink material. i.e., concentration for calcium chloride, concentration and viscosity of alginate for cell printing using the bioprinter were defined. In our study, the cells were suspended in calcium chloride to produce an ink material for subsequent printing on alginate. Alginate is a biocompatible material that can allow cells to be printed on it successfully. Upon contact of the ink and alginate, cell encapsulation in the alginate is made possible through cross-linking of the alginate with calcium chloride. The experimental results showed that 150mM calcium chloride printed onto 1.1% low viscosity and high viscosity alginates produces the best hydrogel conformation. In addition, experimental results showed that printing 12 x 10^6cells/mL produced the best dispensed cell density and cell encapsulation in the alginate hydrogel. Post printing cell viability was also conducted and the results showed that cells are able to survive the printing process. The gentle printing process and precise displacement of cells of the DIY bioprinter shows huge potential to develop novel methods for cell therapy at a lower cost.