BIO / 3D-PRINTING
Shrike Zhang, Harvard Medical School, USA
Mei He, University of Florida, USA
Oni Basu, University of Chicago, USA
Hong Kai Wu, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong

Workshop Description:
3D printing converts computer-assisted design (CAD) into a three-dimensional physical object which is particularly attractive to the fabrication of microfluidic devices. The recent development of 3D bioprinting allows the cellular tissue to be built up in three dimensions with well-controlled cell type, shape, and location. Building 3D tissue constructs with the microfluidic platform represents a paradigm shift in methodology for studying complex biological systems, and serving mimetic ex vivo models for investigating human-health related problems.

The aim of this workshop is to introduce the fundamental of 3D printing and bioprinting technologies for fabricating 3D microfluidic devices as well as the 3D tissue engineering applications, also provide guidance on how advanced 3D bioprinting strategies can open up new opportunities in constructing functional tissues to facilitate regeneration and personalized medicine.

The participants will learn to 1) choose the right 3D printers for their projects; 2) how to use materials to print 3D microfluidics and cellular constructs; 3) how to build 3D microfluidic networks using various hydrogel materials; 4) 3D modelling and imaging tracking used in microfluidic 3D tissue study; 5) concrete examples of 3D bioprinting used towards applications in tissue regeneration or drug screening.

Overview of Material to Be Covered and What Attendees Can Expect to Take Away From the Workshop:
This workshop part contains 4 lectures:

Lecture 1
Mei He, University of Florida, USA
The first introductory lecture will focus on the 3D printing principles, including fused deposition modelling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing, and 3D assembling methodologies, for making 3D microfluidic devices employed in cell culture and tissue functional development. The influence of three-dimensional geometry and constructs on cellular functional behavior will be discussed for providing guidance on how utilize 3D printing and bioprinting technologies to advance your research.

Lecture 2
Hong Kai Wu, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong
The second lecture will focus on the novel sacrificial molding approach that 3D structure is printed in a highly-printable material (such as photoresist) within a short time (e.g., a few minutes for cm-sized objects), and then it is converted into the needed biomaterials (with cells embedded) by transfer molding. The biomaterials can be molded in an easy way with high resolution and no harm to cells, and the channel networks functions as blood vessels. This technique can also generate 3D structures in other useful materials such as plastics, wax, metals and PDMS (the most popular material in microfluidics).

Lecture 3
Oni Basu, University of Chicago, USA
The third lecture will focus on the 3D printing fabrication of patient specific vascular fluidic devices from the models, starting with imaging data, 3D models that capture the patient's unique vein topology, and 3D printing from the model. The particle imaging techniques will be discussed to characterize the microfluid flow Reynold's number and wall shear stress that correlates with activation of the coagulation cascade and thrombosis.

Lecture 4
Shrike Zhang, Harvard Medical School, USA
The fourth lecture will focus on a series of advanced 3D bioprinting strategies that can be combined with the different modalities for tissue biofabrication, as well as the various cytocompatible bioink formulations. The lecture will introduce several research examples on how 3D bioprinting is used towards tissue regeneration and drug screening.

Who Should Attend:
Anyone working in the field of tissue engineering, tissue model engineering, biomaterials, biofabrication, or drug development, among others, whether in academia or industry, and whether in basic science or translational research, is encouraged to attend.

Participants Will Need the Following:
No special requirements.