Acoustofluidics-Assisted Additive Manufacturing of Functionalized Materials for Biomedical Applications

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ghulam Destgeer
• Subject Area: Biomedical Systems Technology ; Biomaterials ; Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Microsystems
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 567108437

Biofabrication techniques enable the creation of complex 3D biological tissue constructs by spatially organizing cells within a mechanically optimized matrix. Extrusion-based 3D bioprinting is a widely used technique that allows the creation of programmable 3D constructs by depositing multiple layers of cell-laden hydrogels. However, the technique suffers from the static nature of extrusion-nozzles limiting their applicability in creating biomimetic tissue constructs. In this project, we, Destgeer Lab at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany, and Park Lab at the Chonnam National University (CNU), Korea, propose to utilize our expertise in microfluidics, acoustofluidics, and flow lithography to advance microscale spatiotemporal resolution of the fundamental building block of extrusion-based 3D bioprinting, i.e., extruded microfiber or microfilament. In this project, we will build a 3D printhead with an integrated acoustofluidic nozzle to fabricate tissue-mimicking constructs. In this project, we will explore two possibilities to actively sculpt the flow of multi-material hydrogel precursors in dynamic spatiotemporal cross-sectional shapes using parallel-type and cross-type active flow sculpting configurations. Building upon over expertise in conducting numerical simulations of microfluidic laminar flows, we will develop a software to rapidly model the cross-sectional flow profiles with a motivation to lower down the experimental costs and provide a new user an easy peek into the flow sculpting capabilities of our platforms. We will conduct an in-depth study to optimize the curing process of these shaped precursors through ionic, UV-based, and acousto-thermal heating-based cross-linking to fabricate microfibers. Through this project we will explore multiple possibilities to dynamically control the mechanical properties of hydrogel microfibers by optimizing their cross-sectional shape, size, composition, stiffness, and gelation process. This will allow us to create hydrogel constructs with the dynamic range of compressive modulus (1-60kPa) for building biomimetic tissue scaffolds. Furthermore, biomimetic tissue constructs, such as cardiac and vascularized-like tissues, will be 3D printed as a proof of concept by utilizing acoustofluidic-assisted printhead to demonstrate the potential of dynamically controlling the scaffold’s properties in enhancing tissue’s maturation and functionality. The project will help us lay the foundation for fabricating tissue-engineered 3D models in the future through the development of a next-generation 3D printing setup.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: South Korea
• Partner Organisation: National Research Foundation of Korea, NRF
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Jinsoo Park, Ph.D.