In-Situ Complex-Geometry Autonomous 3D Printing System for Heterogeneous Soft Tissue Structures

通过这项RTI拨款提案，申请人正在为他的研究项目寻求支持，以开发生物医学应用中异质材料的多尺度建模和进化优化(发现拨款(DG)2018-2024年，以及NSERC的其他拨款)。这项建议的主要目标是为申请人提供以下能力：(I)开发基于能够处理振动和干扰的非线性平台的生物软组织动态3D打印系统；(Ii)开发用于复杂几何和异质材料分布的原位打印的健壮系统；(Iii)开发基于打印参数实时优化的机器学习软件；以及(Iv)为HQP提供添加剂制造和生物医学工程研究方面的实践经验。所要求的设备包括：(I)R-Gen 100台式3D生物打印机，它将为多边/多细胞3D结构提供高精度的微观结构控制；(Ii)2自由度轴旋转打印工作台，为打印复杂几何图形提供物体角度或曲率的精确测量。R-Gen 100生物打印机将使申请者能够进行现场生物打印研究，并开发/测试组织植入物的深度学习和生成性模型。这种设备对于开发和测试加拿大第一个自主移动3D生物打印系统至关重要，该系统能够通过制造最大限度地模仿宿主部位内的自然组织特征和界面粘附性的人体组织来革新伤口护理。它还提供了一种具有成本效益的方法，以实现申请人的DG和其他研究计划的实验部分的目标。因此，所要求的设备将直接增加申请人的DG研究项目的成功。该设备对申请者的其他研究计划、长期DG研究目标以及添加剂制造和生物医学工程活动也是必不可少的。此外，这种设备将为约克大学拉桑德工程学院新推出的工程项目增加价值，因为3D打印机可以在许多不同的领域使用。最后，R-Gen 100生物打印机和2自由度轴旋转打印工作台Axis旋转工作台对于在多学科环境中为HQP提供实践研发经验至关重要。拟议的设备将为22名以上的HQP提供两类培训机会：(I)适当的安全、设备设置和操作程序方面的培训；以及(Ii)HQP将进行DG和其他研究计划的实验和验证部分。这项关于3D生物打印硬件、软件、机械加工、材料表征、人工智能和实际工程应用的跨学科培训将使这些HQP在加拿大就业市场上更具竞争力。

Through this RTI grant proposal, the applicant is seeking support for his research program to develop multi-scale modeling and evolutionary optimization of heterogeneous materials in biomedical applications (Discovery Grant (DG) 2018-2024, as well as other NSERC grants). The main objectives of this proposal are to provide the applicant with the ability to (i) develop a dynamic 3D printing system for biological soft tissues based on a non-linear platform capable of handling vibration and disturbances, (ii) develop a robust system for in-situ printing of complex geometric and heterogeneous distribution of materials, (iii) develop machine learning software based on real-time optimization of printing parameters, and (iv) provide HQP with hands-on experience in additive manufacturing and biomedical engineering research. The requested equipment consists of: (i) R-GEN 100 table-top 3D bioprinter that will provide high accuracy control of micro-scale structures for multilateral/multicellular 3D constructs; and (ii) 2DOF axis rotary printing table to provide precise measurement of angles or curvature of objects for the printing of complex geometry. The R-GEN 100 bioprinter will enable the applicant to perform in-situ bioprinting research and develop/test deep learning and generative modelling of tissue implants. This equipment is essential for developing and testing Canada's first autonomous mobile 3D bio-printing system capable of revolutionizing wound care by fabricating human tissue that maximally imitates natural tissue characteristics and interfacial adhesion within the host site. It also offers a cost-effective approach to achieving the objectives of the experimental component of the applicant's DG and other research programs. Therefore, the requested equipment will directly augment the success of the applicant's DG research program. This equipment is also essential to the applicant's other research programs, long-term DG research objectives, and additive manufacturing and biomedical engineering activities. Further, this equipment will add value to the newly launched engineering program at the Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, as the 3D printer can be used in many different fields. Finally, the R-GEN 100 Bioprinter and 2DOF axis rotary printing table Axis Rotary Table are essential for providing HQP with hands-on R&D experience in a multi-disciplinary environment. The proposed equipment will provide training opportunities for 22+ HQPs in two categories: (i) training in appropriate safety, equipment setup, and operation procedures; and (ii) HQPs will conduct the experimental and validation portion of the DG and other research programs. This interdisciplinary training on the use of 3D bioprinting hardware, software, machining, material characterization, artificial intelligence and practical engineering applications will make these HQPs more competitive in Canada's job market.