scholarly journals 4D Printing of Origami Structures for Minimally Invasive Surgeries Using Functional Scaffold

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 332
Author(s):  
Thomas Langford ◽  
Abdullah Mohammed ◽  
Khamis Essa ◽  
Amr Elshaer ◽  
Hany Hassanin
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Smart Materials ◽  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Shape Recovery ◽  
Short Communication ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
4D Printing ◽  
Significant Discovery ◽  
External Stimuli

Origami structures have attracted attention in biomedical applications due to their ability to develop surgical tools that can be expanded from a minimal volume to a larger and functional device. On the other hand, four-dimensional (4D) printing is an emerging technology, which involves 3D printing of smart materials that can respond to external stimuli such as heat. This short communication introduces the proof of concept of merging origami and 4D printing technologies to develop minimally invasive delivery of functional biomedical scaffolds with high shape recovery. The shape-memory effect (SME) of the PLA filament and the origami designs were also assessed in terms of deformability and recovery rate. The results showed that herringbone tessellation origami structure combined with internal natural cancellous bone core satisfies the design requirement of foldable scaffolds. The substantial and consistent SME of the 4D printed herringbone tessellation origami, which exhibited 96% recovery compared to 61% for PLA filament, was the most significant discovery of this paper. The experiments demonstrated how the use of 4D printing in situ with origami structures could achieve reliable and repeatable results, therefore conclusively proving how 4D printing of origami structures can be applied to biomedical scaffolds.

scholarly journals 4D Printing Pre-Strained Structures for Fast Thermal Actuation

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Zou ◽  
Zhongyi Huang ◽  
Xiying Li ◽  
Pengyu Lv
Keyword(s):  
Bilayer Structure ◽  
4D Printing ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Strained Layer ◽  
Thermal Actuation ◽  
The Finite Element Analysis ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Shape Property ◽  
External Stimuli

Four-dimensional (4D) printing is an emerging technology by adding the dimension of time-dependent reconfiguration into 3D printing. It enables the 3D printed structure to change the shape, property, or functionality under external stimuli such as temperature, magnetic field, and light, etc. Among the existing 4D printed structures, thermal responsive structures are widely used for their easy operation. However, the slow actuation of the thermal responsive structures impedes the applications like soft robotics. In the current work, a pre-strained strategy is proposed to accelerate the actuation of thermal responsive structures. A 4D printing platform that can apply strain during the printing process is constructed to fabricate the pre-strained structures under the aid of in-situ tensile of the printing base. A bilayer structure with one pre-strained layer and the other non-pre-strained layer is integrally printed. Through experiments and the finite element analysis, it is demonstrated that the aspect ratio has little effect on the deformation of the bilayer structure, whereas the pre-strain plays a key role in the deformation and also greatly accelerates the actuation of the bilayer structure. Based on the 4D printed pre-strained bilayer structure, an energy-free gripper is fabricated and a fully soft crawler is printed to achieve a high running speed.

scholarly journals Review of Polymeric Materials in 4D Printing Biomedical Applications

Polymers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1864 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming-You Shie ◽  
Yu-Fang Shen ◽  
Suryani Dyah Astuti ◽  
Alvin Kai-Xing Lee ◽  
Shu-Hsien Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Smart Materials ◽  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
4D Printing ◽  
Current Application ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Over Time

The purpose of 4D printing is to embed a product design into a deformable smart material using a traditional 3D printer. The 3D printed object can be assembled or transformed into intended designs by applying certain conditions or forms of stimulation such as temperature, pressure, humidity, pH, wind, or light. Simply put, 4D printing is a continuum of 3D printing technology that is now able to print objects which change over time. In previous studies, many smart materials were shown to have 4D printing characteristics. In this paper, we specifically review the current application, respective activation methods, characteristics, and future prospects of various polymeric materials in 4D printing, which are expected to contribute to the development of 4D printing polymeric materials and technology.

4D printing technology, modern era: A short review

2020 ◽  
pp. 92-111
Author(s):  
Khodadad Mostakim ◽  
Nahid Imtiaz Masuk ◽  
Md. Rakib Hasan ◽  
Md. Shafikul Islam
Keyword(s):  
Smart Materials ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Stimuli Responsive ◽  
4D Printing ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
Printing Technology ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Biomedical Technologies ◽  
Novel Material

The advancement in 3D printing has led to the rapid growth of 4D printing technology. Adding time, as the fourth dimension, this technology ushered the potential of a massive evolution in fields of biomedical technologies, space applications, deployable structures, manufacturing industries, and so forth. This technology performs ingenious design, using smart materials to create advanced forms of the 3-D printed specimen. Improvements in Computer-aided design, additive manufacturing process, and material science engineering have ultimately favored the growth of 4-D printing innovation and revealed an effective method to gather complex 3-D structures. Contrast to all these developments, novel material is still a challenging sector. However, this short review illustrates the basic of 4D printing, summarizes the stimuli responsive materials properties, which have prominent role in the field of 4D technology. In addition, the practical applications are depicted and the potential prospect of this technology is put forward.

scholarly journals Ferromagnetic soft catheter robots for minimally invasive bioprinting

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Zhou ◽  
Youzhou Yang ◽  
Jiaxin Wang ◽  
Qingyang Wu ◽  
Zhuozhi Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
The Body ◽  
Magnetic Actuation ◽  
Internal Organs ◽  
Planar Surfaces ◽  
Reinforced Polymer ◽  
Direct Fabrication ◽  
Digitally Controlled

AbstractIn vivo bioprinting has recently emerged as a direct fabrication technique to create artificial tissues and medical devices on target sites within the body, enabling advanced clinical strategies. However, existing in vivo bioprinting methods are often limited to applications near the skin or require open surgery for printing on internal organs. Here, we report a ferromagnetic soft catheter robot (FSCR) system capable of in situ computer-controlled bioprinting in a minimally invasive manner based on magnetic actuation. The FSCR is designed by dispersing ferromagnetic particles in a fiber-reinforced polymer matrix. This design results in stable ink extrusion and allows for printing various materials with different rheological properties and functionalities. A superimposed magnetic field drives the FSCR to achieve digitally controlled printing with high accuracy. We demonstrate printing multiple patterns on planar surfaces, and considering the non-planar surface of natural organs, we then develop an in situ printing strategy for curved surfaces and demonstrate minimally invasive in vivo bioprinting of hydrogels in a rat model. Our catheter robot will permit intelligent and minimally invasive bio-fabrication.

A Novel Subxiphoid Approach for Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Harvesting

2021 ◽  
pp. 155698452098106
Author(s):  
Hossein Amirjamshidi ◽  
Jude S. Sauer ◽  
Bryan Barrus ◽  
Peter A. Knight ◽  
Sunil M. Prasad
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Porcine Model ◽  
Internal Thoracic Artery ◽  
Experimental Testing ◽  
Bypass Graft ◽  
Arterial Revascularization ◽  
Early Results ◽  
Tissue Manipulation ◽  
Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery

Objective Bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) bypass can enable more complete arterial revascularization procedures. Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) can offer significant patient benefits. New minimally invasive technology for sternal retraction and tissue manipulation is needed to enable ergonomic and reliable minimally invasive ITA harvesting. The goal of this research was to develop technology and techniques, along with experimental testing and training models, for a sternal-sparing approach to in situ BITA harvesting through a small subxiphoid access site. Methods This study focused on optimizing custom equipment and methods for subxiphoid BITA harvesting initially in a porcine model (19 pig carcasses, 36 ITAs) and subsequently in 7 cadavers (14 ITAs). Results Fifty consecutive ITAs were successfully harvested using this remote access approach. The last 20 ITA specimens harvested from the porcine model were explanted and measured; the average length of the free ITA grafts was 12.8 ± 0.9 cm (range 10.8 to 14.2 cm) with a mean time of 23.3 ± 5.2 minutes (range 13 to 25 minutes) for each harvest. Conclusions Early results demonstrate that both ITAs can be reliably harvested in a skeletonized fashion in situ through sternal-sparing, small subxiphoid access in 2 experimental models. This innovative approach warrants further exploration toward facilitating complete arterial revascularization and the further adoption of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Anodic synthesis of TiO2 nanotubes by step-up voltages

2021 ◽  
pp. 002199832110237
Author(s):  
V Sivaprakash ◽  
R Narayanan
Keyword(s):  
Corrosion Resistance ◽  
Tio2 Nanotubes ◽  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Phase Changes ◽  
Electrochemical Anodization ◽  
Corrosion Resistant ◽  
Anodization Process ◽  
Anodic Synthesis ◽  
Input Potential

Fabrication of TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) has extensive application properties due to their high corrosion resistant and compatibility with biomedical applications, the synthesis of TiO2 nanotubes over titanium has drawn interest in various fields. The synthesis of TiO2 NTs using novel in-situ step-up voltage conditions in the electrochemical anodization process is recorded in this work. For manufacturing the NTs at 1 hour of anodization, the input potential of 30, 40 and 50 V was selected. With increasing step-up voltage during the anodization process, an improvement in the NTs was observed, favoring corrosion resistance properties. The surface of NTs enhances the structure of the ribs, raising the potential for feedback over time. XRD was used to analyze phase changes, and HR-SEM analyzed surface topography. Impedance tests found that longer NTs improved the corrosion resistance.

scholarly journals Microchannelled alkylated chitosan sponge to treat noncompressible hemorrhages and facilitate wound healing

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinchen Du ◽  
Le Wu ◽  
Hongyu Yan ◽  
Zhuyan Jiang ◽  
Shilin Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Shape Recovery ◽  
Parenchymal Cell ◽  
Gelatin Sponge ◽  
Defect Model ◽  
Liver Parenchymal Cell ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Tissue Integration ◽  
3D Printed

AbstractDeveloping an anti-infective shape-memory hemostatic sponge able to guide in situ tissue regeneration for noncompressible hemorrhages in civilian and battlefield settings remains a challenge. Here we engineer hemostatic chitosan sponges with highly interconnective microchannels by combining 3D printed microfiber leaching, freeze-drying, and superficial active modification. We demonstrate that the microchannelled alkylated chitosan sponge (MACS) exhibits the capacity for water and blood absorption, as well as rapid shape recovery. We show that compared to clinically used gauze, gelatin sponge, CELOX™, and CELOX™-gauze, the MACS provides higher pro-coagulant and hemostatic capacities in lethally normal and heparinized rat and pig liver perforation wound models. We demonstrate its anti-infective activity against S. aureus and E. coli and its promotion of liver parenchymal cell infiltration, vascularization, and tissue integration in a rat liver defect model. Overall, the MACS demonstrates promising clinical translational potential in treating lethal noncompressible hemorrhage and facilitating wound healing.

scholarly journals Modulation of Crystallinity through Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields in PLLA/Magnetic Nanoparticles Composites: A Proof of Concept

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4300
Author(s):  
Marta Multigner ◽  
Irene Morales ◽  
Marta Muñoz ◽  
Victoria Bonache ◽  
Fernando Giacomone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Magnetic Nanoparticles ◽  
Electromagnetic Fields ◽  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Infrared Camera ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields ◽  
Degradation Properties ◽  
Heat Released

To modulate the properties of degradable implants from outside of the human body represents a major challenge in the field of biomaterials. Polylactic acid is one of the most used polymers in biomedical applications, but it tends to lose its mechanical properties too quickly during degradation. In the present study, a way to reinforce poly-L lactic acid (PLLA) with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) that have the capacity to heat under radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) is proposed. As mechanical and degradation properties are related to the crystallinity of PLLA, the aim of the work was to explore the possibility of modifying the structure of the polymer through the heating of the reinforcing MNPs by EMF within the biological limit range f·H < 5·× 109 Am−1·s−1. Composites were prepared by dispersing MNPs under sonication in a solution of PLLA. The heat released by the MNPs was monitored by an infrared camera and changes in the polymer were analyzed with differential scanning calorimetry and nanoindentation techniques. The crystallinity, hardness, and elastic modulus of nanocomposites increase with EMF treatment.

scholarly journals Skeletal muscle PGC-1β signaling is sufficient to drive an endurance exercise phenotype and to counteract components of detraining in mice

2017 ◽  
Vol 312 (5) ◽  
pp. E394-E406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Lee ◽  
Teresa C. Leone ◽  
Lisa Rogosa ◽  
John Rumsey ◽  
Julio Ayala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Disuse Atrophy ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Muscle Disuse ◽  
Training Response

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α and -1β serve as master transcriptional regulators of muscle mitochondrial functional capacity and are capable of enhancing muscle endurance when overexpressed in mice. We sought to determine whether muscle-specific transgenic overexpression of PGC-1β affects the detraining response following endurance training. First, we established and validated a mouse exercise-training-detraining protocol. Second, using multiple physiological and gene expression end points, we found that PGC-1β overexpression in skeletal muscle of sedentary mice fully recapitulated the training response. Lastly, PGC-1β overexpression during the detraining period resulted in partial prevention of the detraining response. Specifically, an increase in the plateau at which O2 uptake (V̇o2) did not change from baseline with increasing treadmill speed [peak V̇o2 (ΔV̇o2max)] was maintained in trained mice with PGC-1β overexpression in muscle 6 wk after cessation of training. However, other detraining responses, including changes in running performance and in situ half relaxation time (a measure of contractility), were not affected by PGC-1β overexpression. We conclude that while activation of muscle PGC-1β is sufficient to drive the complete endurance phenotype in sedentary mice, it only partially prevents the detraining response following exercise training, suggesting that the process of endurance detraining involves mechanisms beyond the reversal of muscle autonomous mechanisms involved in endurance fitness. In addition, the protocol described here should be useful for assessing early-stage proof-of-concept interventions in preclinical models of muscle disuse atrophy.

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