warwickigem2

Blueprint 361

Lighting the future of 3D Bioprinting.

Our Fundamental Application

Using Synthetic Biology, we aim to improve the Biomedical Engineering industry by creating surface coatings for current and future implants.

What is our problem?

Medical implants, such as knee and hip replacements, require membranes to coat them in order to characterise them as biocompatible.

However, current methods to create sufficient membranes (for growing stem cells on) require expensive equipment and have a longer printing time.

What are we studying?

We are studying the characteristics of Osseointegration. This refers to the direct structural and functional connection between the surface of a load bearing artifical implant, and the bone in the living body.

Where does Synthetic Biology play its part?

We had genetically modified E coli K 12- whereby, when light of a specific wavelength is shined upon it, cellulose is produced. This acts as our ink.

How are we tying this all together?

Using our defined E coli, we are able to manufacture a novel 3D printer that creates surface coatings for implants. Once the light shines upon selected areas of the cell plate, a new surface coating strip will be created.