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The following is a reflection on my research journey and project
Project Recap!
Project Recap!
I am testing the mechanical properties of bioink Plu-GelMA at 25.7% concentration. Bioink is a specialized biological ink which holds an environment which cells can thrive in. This environment consists of properties such as having extra cellular matrix (ECM) which regulates cell function, helps cells bind, and so on. Bioinks are engineered to be able to contain cells while also be used as 3-D printer ink. The mix of inks which I am using is Pluronic and GelMA which are water based. Water based gels are much more flexible which is important in vascular structures. The structures which I was testing mechanical properties for was arteries. Arteries are structures that need to be able to withstand lots of pressure and stress due to blood pressure and blood flow. This means that a bio-engineered structure made from bioink has to be able to have those same mechanical properties. My research concluded that the Plu-GelMA concentration at 25.7% did not contain those properties and was too structurally weak.
Content Reflection
Content Reflection
I learned a lot about biological inks and the different ways they can be altered to better fit mechanical and biological requirements, in addition to learning about different 3-D printing softwares. Though my research focused on more biomedical engineering aspects, I learned quite a bit about computer science through the many software complications I ran into. This helped me learn how everything connects together in printing which can allow much more detailed and well crafted prints. Aside from this, I learned much about bioinks. Certain additives such as photo initiators (molecules which are reactive when exposed to radiation) or even other bioinks with different properties can change the mechanical and biological abilities of an ink entirely. This means that certain combinations of inks and photo initiators together would create not only ideal environments for cells, but ideal printing inks in terms of structural capabilities and flexibility. If I were to conduct an experiment like this again, I would add in more components to the ink to test it's abilities further as much of this trial and error of different combinations. If my research proposal is accepted at CU, I plan to continue my research and expand further by adding cells along with photo initiators into the ink which will be tested.
Image above of print made by researcher
Image below of research posing as they wait for ink to heat up :)
Product Reflection
Product Reflection
While writing the research paper I learned a lot of critical research skills and writing skills. I was also able to learn and expand much more on my research as many new studies had come out in the time which my research was conducted. Once study in particular, executed by Sunturnnod who has numerous bioprinting publications, conducted a study very similar to mine which tested the different mass ratios of Pluronic to GelMA and how it affected cell viability. This study massively contributed to my research as it displayed the next steps after mechanical testing. This allowed me to reach a proper conclusion and even recommend what a better concentration of this ink mixture would be. I learned how to really integrate other research and conclusions in my own work to back up my findings even though they were inconclusive. This skill allows me to present my work as more credible which I can use as I continue to do research or projects later on. I also learned how to be able to present my work in a scholarly way while still being understandable to the common person. This is a crucial part of presenting not only research, but any type of projects conducted as the audience need to be able to understand it as well. I can take many of these skills into not only college, but even at future internships when project reports or presentations are required.
Process Reflection
Process Reflection
Throughout this class and the entire research project I learned a lot about myself. I learned that as student, I am capable of being able to overcome many difficulties without much guidance. However, my faults are not asking for more assistance when in crucial times. My stubbornness to find solutions on my own can also be my downfall. I am a huge problem solver and will try every method I know before I "give up" and even then, I will find some solution just like I did when my printer failed. This has shown me that if I really put my mind to something, I will accomplish it no matter what and this quality can take me quite far in life. As a researcher I pay great attention to detail and conduct most everything in a smooth fashion. I have learned that I have a huge passion for biomedical engineering which only fuels my drive to learn and conduct more research. As a human I learned that I am self-reliant, persistent, resilient, determined, and focused. Once I have a goal in mind, I will accomplish it no matter the hurdles I face. To me this quality is key in not only research, but life in general. It is important to remember that all problems have a solution, and my determination will allow me to keep myself grounded and steady. AP Research has shown me many sides of myself, and I am grateful as it has been a truly wonderful experience even through all the hardships.
Though AP Research may be over, I hope to continue biomedical research through college in research programs. My next goal is to either conduct more research on bio-inks or build a bioprinter which has the capabilities of printing the smallest of details. Stay tuned to find out :)
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
I would like to acknowledge my wonderful parents for not only funding my entire project, but so supportive through this entire process. I want to thank my close friends who have watched my struggles but been there to encourage me to continue on. Lastly, I want to thank Mrs.Dobos for all of the hard work she has put into this class.
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
Coronary artery disease affects millions of people worldwide with few treatment methods. One of the most common and invasive treatment methods is surgery, where a graft is placed on the heart to create a bypass from the damaged artery. This method, however, is not as effective as believed as it has a high rate of failure which can lead to mortality. The surgeries to salvage the grafts are high risk and not recommended. The use of new bioprinting technology can aid resolve the issue. Bioprinting allows for arteries to be fabricated with a patient’s cells. Bioprinting is still a fairly new technology which is rapidly exploring the possibilities of printing biological structures as close to real life as possible. This study explores the possibilities of printing arteries with Pluronic F-127 and GelMA hydrogels combined. The study aimed to test the mechanical properties of Plu-GelMA 25.7% to determine whether the ink combination possessed the required mechanical properties for vascular structures. The results displayed that Plu-GelMA had a very low compressive modulus and low to mediocre structural integrity. The compressive modulus was around 5 ± 3 kPa demonstrating very low stiffness and high viscosity. This work concludes that the specific concentration of Plu-GelMA at 25.7% does not possess the mechanical properties required for vascular structures.
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