Abstract

Hybrid Laser Platform For Printing 3D Multiscale Multi-Material Hydrogel Structures

Pranav Soman, Professor, Biomedical and Chemical Engineering , Syracuse University

Contrary to structural and material complexities found in nature, man-made manufacturing technologies and associated materials remain relatively simple. Despite continued technological advances in additive manufacturing, current methods remain limited in their capabilities. We report a new technology coined as Hybrid Laser Printing (HLP) that is capable of shaping hydrogel materials into 3D multiscale, multi-material, and functional constructs. Using several proof-of-concept studies, we present that HLP can print 3D structures that are either (i) technically challenging to print, and/or (ii) extremely time consuming to manufacture, and/or (iii) not possible with current technologies.