3D Printed Organ Models with Physical Properties of Tissue and Integrated Sensors

Abstract

The design and development of novel methodologies and customized materials to fabricate patient-specific 3D printed organ models with integrated sensing capabilities could yield advances in smart surgical aids for preoperative planning and rehearsal. Here, we demonstrate 3D printed prostate models with physical properties of tissue and integrated soft electronic sensors using custom-formulated polymeric inks. The models show high quantitative fidelity in static and dynamic mechanical properties, optical characteristics, and anatomical geometries to patient tissues and organs. The models offer tissue-mimicking tactile sensation and behavior and thus can be used for the prediction of organ physical behavior under deformation. The prediction results show good agreement with values obtained from simulations. The models also allow the application of surgical and diagnostic tools to their surface and inner channels. Finally, via the conformal integration of 3D printed soft electronic sensors, pressure applied to the models with surgical tools can be quantitatively measured.

3D printable tough silicone double networks

“… 28 , this composition possesses an elastic modulus similar to cardiac tissue ( E 100% ~ 100 kPa). Like previously demonstrated 3D printed organ phantoms 29 , 30 , these devices allow care-givers to practice numerous skills such as injection, incision, and suturing (Fig. 2g-j ).…”

3D Printed Stem‐Cell Derived Neural Progenitors Generate Spinal Cord Scaffolds

“…The accurate reproduction will provide stable contact between the implanted cell‐printed scaffold and the native spinal cord. Thus, future studies will focus on: 1) tailoring the shape of the scaffold for each patient injury via codevelopment of 3D scanning technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging; 2) transplanting the scaffold in an in vivo model of contusion SCI to assess the survival and fate of the cells as well as the effect on functional recovery; and 3) incorporating 3D printed stimuli‐responsive capsules containing biological and biochemical cues for programmable release of multiplexed gradients within the designed 3D architecture to promote neuronal differentiation and axon guidance for CNS therapies . Overall, we anticipate that our platform can be used to prepare novel biomimetic scaffolds modeling complex CNS tissue architecture in vitro, with the long‐term goal of creating a clinical implant to treat patients with CNS injuries such as chronic SCI.…”

3D printed patient-specific aortic root models with internal sensors for minimally invasive applications

“…Formulating customized polymeric 3D printing materials is a fundamental step in the fabrication of these aortic root models. We have previously demonstrated the 3D printing of customized silicone-based polymeric inks for accurately mimicking the physical properties of prostate tissue ( 19 , 27 ). Our material system mainly consisted of silicone sealant and silicone grease.…”

“…After 3D printing the patient-specific aortic root model, a quantitative surface comparison was conducted to evaluate the anatomic fidelity between the model and the corresponding patient's aortic root anatomy via a 3D registration technique (27,37). The anatomical information of the patient's aortic root was extracted from the preoperative CT scans ( fig.…”