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Rapid Prototyping of Polyurethane for the Creation of Vascular Systems

Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing Technology Ministry of Education & Center of Organ Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China, Institute of Life Science & Medicine, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084, P.R. China

Xiao Wang

Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing Technology Ministry of Education & Center of Organ Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China, wangxiaohong{at}tsinghua.edu.cn, Institute of Life Science & Medicine, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084, P.R. China

Yongnian Yan

Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing Technology Ministry of Education & Center of Organ Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China, Institute of Life Science & Medicine, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084, P.R. China

Renji Zhang

Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing Technology Ministry of Education & Center of Organ Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China, Institute of Life Science & Medicine, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084, P.R. China

A precise control over the internal architecture was essential for manufacture of complex organs. To create vascular systems that mimic human livers, we designed and fabricated complex 3D objects with an intrinsic network of interconnected channels. A new elastomeric polyurethane, mainly based on polycaprolactone and poly(ethylene glycol) with excellent biocompatibility and tunable biodegradation properties, was used to fabricate these vascular systems using a low temperature deposition system based on the layer-by-layer manufacturing principle. A specific model was selected via computer aided design (CAD), solid free form fabrication processes are conducted under computer direction. Two example object patterns were produced by precision controlled dispensing of a biodegradable polyurethane into 3D multi-micro-tunnels with multi-micro-pores at a low temperature (-28°C). The design and fabrication strategies used to create physical objects directly from CAD models represent a promising route for the establishment of complex organ vascular systems.

Key Words: rapid prototyping • polyurethane • synthetic vascular systems • tissue engineering • organ manufacturing • synthetic organs.

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