Hierarchical and spatial modeling and bio-additive manufacturing of multi-material constructs

In this paper, a novel method of integrated modelling and bio-additive manufacturing of hybrid bioinspired structures is presented. An algorithm is developed to generate optimized and continuous path plan while changing material and internal composition spatially and hierarchically based on the assigned functionality. Biodegradable polymers and hydrogels are used as reinforcing and biological functional bioinks respectively. A new hybrid multi-head 3D bioprinter is developed to manufacture designed three-dimensional constructs depositing bioinks layer-by-layer. Simultaneous incorporation of multiple deposition heads and integrated path planning provide the benefits of using the deposition-on-demand of multi-material bio-inks. The modelled constructs are analyzed and bioprinted. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of CIRP.