Open Theses at the Institute of Printing Science and Technology

The work focuses on a combination of cell-laden hydrogels reinforced with scaffolds of mechanically stiffer biomaterials, such as thermoplastic biodegradable polymers, to form precursor structures of a muscle tissue. The scaffold reinforcement offers many advantages. For example, chemical, mechanical and electrical signals can be introduced, which can have a positive effect on cell differentiation. In application, the otherwise very soft hydrogel structure can be better transported and attached as an implant in humans. In this work, these hybrid precursor structures of a muscle tissue will be fabricated and characterized.

The work includes in detail: 3D bioprinting; Fluorescence microscopy; Cell culture of C2C12 myoblasts and differentiation into muscle fibers; Mechanical characterization

The scope of work will be adapted to the duration of the work and the level of knowledge of the student. Experience in cell culture is not required, but preferred.

For the biofabrication of muscle tissue, different stimuli are used to promote the development of precursor cells into functional muscle fibers. In the present work, specially developed conductive filament will be printed to generate electric fields that improve tissue development.

The work includes in detail: Literature research; (CAD) design, layout (simulation of the electric field) and FFF printing of 3 different 3D geometries; Electrical characterization; Adaptation of the setup to cell culture conditions

If time permits, the influence of electrostimulation on muscle tissue development will also be investigated.

The scope of work will be adapted to the duration of the project and the student's level of knowledge.