Project

There are several challenges associated with slurry based ceramic 3D printing related to dispersion, rheology, printability, availability of bio-inks etc. The project aims to address these challenges from a material point of view. Biominerals (Calcium Phosphates) embedded in organic matter (collagen), proteins, and water form a major part of calcified tissues (bone), an excellent example of microstructurally graded material. Bones help maintain skeletal stability, blood production, and pH modulation, protecting and giving movement to organs owing to their high toughness. Over the centuries, researchers have tried to design and develop material systems for bioimplants that mimic natural human tissues. Bioimplants that are structurally, physically, mechanically, and functionally similar will accelerate tissue regeneration and repair, and will eventually get resorbed. Bio-printed scaffolds hold great potential to provide patient-specific, safe, and lifelong solutions for grafting and transplantation.