3D Printed Pop Heart A Fusion of Engineering, Medicine, and Art

Raman, Ritu

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/75866 Copy

Description

Title

3D Printed Pop Heart A Fusion of Engineering, Medicine, and Art

Author(s)

Raman, Ritu

Contributor(s)

Pagandiaz, Gelson

Issue Date

2015-04

Keyword(s)

Mechanical Science and Engineering

Abstract

The burgeoning field of 3D printing centers on the idea of building three-dimensional objects from digital models. While conventional manufacturing approaches rely on modifying a base material via subtractive processes such as drilling or cutting, 3D printing creates three-dimensional objects through successive deposition of two-dimensional layers. By enabling rapid fabrication of complex objects, 3D printing is revolutionizing the way we think about design and manufacturing. Our lab uses 3D printing technology to print with biologically compatible materials. We have shown that living cells dispersed in highly absorbent biocompatible polymers called hydrogels can be 3D printed and maintained in culture for a period of several weeks. This novel technology has extended the possible applications of 3D printing to the realm of regenerative medicine by enabling the fabrication of living tissue replicas and providing an alternative to tissue and organ transplantation. This series of images shows a 3D printed life-size replica of a mouse heart fabricated from a highly biocompatible hydrogel polymer. The heart was stained with a fluorescent dye, imaged in a microscope, and processed through different color filters to generate an image evocative of the pop art movement. Taking inspiration from engineering, regenerative medicine, and art, we present Pop Heart!

Type of Resource

• text
• image

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/75866

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2015 Ritu Raman

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