Multi-nozzle deposition for construction of 3D biopolymer tissue scaffolds

Purpose-To introduce recent research and development of biopolymer deposition for freeform fabrication of three-dimensional tissue scaffolds that is capable of depositing bioactive ingredients. Design/methodology/approach-A multi-nozzle biopolymer deposition system is developed, which is capable of extruding biopolymer solutions and living cells for freeform construction of 3D tissue scaffolds. The deposition process is biocompatible and occurs at room temperature and low pressures to reduce damage to cells. In contrast with other systems, this system is capable of, simultaneously with scaffold construction, depositing controlled amount of cells, growth factors, or other bioactive compounds with precise spatial position to form complex cell-seeded tissue constructs. The examples shown are based on sodium alginate solutions and poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL). Studies of the biopolymer deposition feasibility, structural formability, and different material deposition through a multi-nozzle heterogeneous system are conducted and presented. Findings-Provides information about the biopolymer deposition using different nozzle systems, the relations of process parameters on deposition flow rate and scaffold structural formability. Three-dimensional alginate-based scaffolds and scaffold embedded with living cells can be freeform constructed according to various design configurations at room temperature without using toxic materials. Research limitations/implications-Other biopolymers may also be studied for structure formation. Studying cell viability and cellular tissue engineering behavior of the scaffolds after the cell deposition should be further investigated. Practical implications-A very useful and effective tool for construction of bioactive scaffolds for tissue engineering applications based on a multi-nozzle biopolymer deposition. Originality/value-This paper describes a novel process and manufacturing system for fabrication of bioactive tissue scaffolds, automatic cell loading, and heterogeneous tissue constructs for emerging regenerative medicine.