Improvement of Printing Quality for Laser-induced Forward Transfer based LaserAssisted Bioprinting Process using a CFD-based numerical model

TL;DR

This paper introduces a CFD-based numerical model to analyze and optimize jet flow in laser-induced forward transfer bioprinting, significantly enhancing printing stability and pattern accuracy.

Contribution

A novel CFD model is developed to accurately describe jet flow in LIFT bioprinting, guiding process optimization for improved printing quality.

Findings

Stable jet flow improves printing quality

Predictive droplet size modeling is effective

Optimized parameters lead to organized patterns

Abstract

As one of the three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting techniques with great application potential, laser-induced-forward-transfer (LIFT) based laser assisted bioprinting (LAB) transfers the bioink through a developed jet flow, and the printing quality highly depends on the stability of jet flow regime. To understand the connection between the jet flow and printing outcomes, a Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model was developed for the first time to accurately describe the jet flow regime and provide a guidance for optimal printing process planning. By adopting the printing parameters recommended by the CFD model, the printing quality was greatly improved by forming stable jet regime and organized printing patterns on the substrate, and the size of printed droplet can also be accurately predicted through a static equilibrium model. The ultimate goal of this research is to direct the LIFT-based LAB process and eventually improve the quality of bioprinting.