Title: 5 D Printing of nano-laden fibre aerogel

Biography:

Ph.D. Ruben Foresti Postdoctoral Researcher in applied medical technical sciences at University of Parma. Research field addressed in 3D, 4D and 5D processes for digital fabrication of  biomedical devices and customized scaffolds. PhD in Industrial Engineering at University of Parma. Design and implementation of additive manufacturing systems for biomedical and food applications, including software and 3D model design. Expertise in rapid prototyping of automated systems with remote control including the design and the software development, electrical parts and mobile application. MSc. in Engineering Management and BSc. in Electronics Engineering. Co-founders of M3datek, academic spinoff.

Abstract

The organs functionality and the related material mimicry properties (Kokkinis) are difficult to reproduce. The smart design and reconstruction processes (Avventuroso; Wu) requires the material functionalization and engineering. To overcame these problems, we merged the composite biomaterials (Guarino; Milazzo) properties with the bio-composite manufacturing processes (Foresti). In fact, the composite biomaterial can modulate its properties with nanoparticles and the resulted bio-ink can be used for the fabrication of the fibre, the adhesive interface and the coating matrix of a bio-composite material. For example, with a flexible fibre covered with an adhesive coating (impermeable and unable to improve the cells adherence, avoiding occlusion problems) it is possible to develop a functional vessel (Hajal).We reconstructed a femoral peripheral artery bifurcation utilising a patient morphology CT, obtaining a full customisable 5D printed object (Gillaspie). The resulted digital model was used to realise, with a custom made RFP bioprinter (Ozbolat), a sodium alginate- based (enriched with green fluorescent NPs) coating balloon gelled with EtOH, dehydrated (nano-laden fibre aerogel) and tested in-vitro. Furthermore, in-vivo tests (Fig. 1) with the bio-composite device demonstrated the uniform gradual release and a very short dissolution time (~ 2/3 minutes).Thus, digitalising the object we can realise 5D printed devices with hard and/or soft material (engineering parameters, functional activity and biological interaction). Moreover, using different bio-composite material, merged with the patient morphology, it is possible to implement a synthetic organ for preliminary tests and training.