3D Printing
News Videos Newsletter Contact us
Home / Bioprinting / New Breakthroughs in 3D Bacterial Printing
qidi

New Breakthroughs in 3D Bacterial Printing

March 24, 2017

Bioprinting is much broader than it may seem at first. It deals with many different materials ranging from tissue to stem cells. For this reason, it has diversified into many different subcategories as of late. One of them is the rapidly growing branch of 3D bacterial printing.

Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed a modified 3D printer that can effectively print micro-organisms. The research team in question used a commercially available 3D printer and retooled it to utilize bioinks. To achieve the desired effects, the researchers changed the extruder to a pipette tip and fitted it with customized tubing. This allowed the printer to maintain the appropriate temperature range necessary for the bacteria to thrive. A secondary tip was also added so that the printer could alternate between different bioinks.

The bioink contains the bacteria suspended in a mixture of a growth medium and an alginate gel. Due to the gel, the mixture solidifies at room temperature when in contact with calcium chloride. Because of this, CaCl is used as a surface as it can keep the bacteria viable for 48 hours.

So far, they have only attempted 3D bacterial printing but future experiments may allow for a wider range of possibilities.

Applications of the Research

The development of bacteria runs parallel to various other possibilities in the field. The research opens up the possibility of producing various other micro-organisms or enzymes. Additionally, it may eventually further our understanding of various viruses and pathogens.

One of the most promising applications is in the field of bespoke material production. The technology can be modified to print onto sheets of graphene-oxide and produce graphene. This is achieved when the bacteria metabolises the oxygen, leaving graphene. The traditional methods of producing graphene require precise temperatures and powerful chemicals. Conversely, this method provides an alternative that could potentially be cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

Graphene has many different applications due to its unique properties. It is very tough, incredibly strong and flexible. Previously, scientists have used it as an electrical conductor. Due to its conductive nature, researchers used graphene to craft a skin-like material with receptors that allow it to transmit a sense of touch. As it is relatively new, companies are still exploring the possibilities of this versatile material.

3d printed graphene seaweed featured
Related Story
Graphene Seaweed Composite Forms Prints Stronger Than Steel

Another use of 3D bacterial printing is in the production of small, yet complex structures. It presents an opportunity to tinker with vitamins, enzymes and other microstructures. This can aid the medical industry in producing antibiotics. It may also present an avenue into revolutionising nano-machines.

This exciting new development is currently in its initial stages. There is much more work to be done but the future of this field looks bright already.

Paper: Lehner, B. A. E., Schmieden, D. T. & Meyer, A. S. A straightforward approach for 3D bacterial printing. ACS Synth. Biol. acssynbio.6b00395 (2017). doi:10.1021/acssynbio.6b00395

Share:
WhatsApp Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Buffer Reddit E-mail
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Latest posts

Trek Launches 3D Printed AirLoom Saddle Line

Trek has introduced its first 3D-printed saddle series, the Aeolus AirLoom, featuring what the company calls AirLoom lattice technology. The new design updates... read more »

News
Trek Launches 3D Printed AirLoom Saddle Line

QuesTek Partners with Niobium Producer to Develop High-Temperature 3D Printing Alloy

QuesTek Innovations has partnered with a global niobium producer to develop a high-temperature alloy designed for additive manufacturing. The project targets aerospace and... read more »

3D Printing Metal
QuesTek Partners with Niobium Producer to Develop High-Temperature 3D Printing Alloy

Autodesk Research and Additive Tectonics Develop 3D Printed Floor System with Alternative Materials

Autodesk Research has partnered with Additive Tectonics to develop a new approach to concrete floor construction using 3D printing technology. The collaboration combines... read more »

Construction

NREL Acquires Large-Scale Metal 3D Printer to Advance Marine Energy Research

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has installed a new laser-powered metal 3D printer at its Flatirons Campus to support marine energy device... read more »

3D Printing Metal
NREL Acquires Large-Scale Metal 3D Printer to Advance Marine Energy Research

Apple Adopts 3D Printing for Titanium USB-C Ports in New iPhone Air

Apple’s latest smartphone release marks a quiet but notable step in consumer electronics manufacturing: the company has confirmed that its new iPhone Air... read more »

3D Printing Metal
Apple Iphone 17 air

GKN Aerospace Expands Connecticut Facility for 3D Printed Engine Components

GKN Aerospace announced the expansion of its Newington, Connecticut facility to include a new production line for additively manufactured Fan Case Mount Ring... read more »

Aerospace
GKN Aerospace Expands Connecticut Facility for 3D Printed Engine Components

UltiMaker Launches Secure 3D Printing Line for Defense Applications

UltiMaker has introduced its Secure Line of 3D printing products specifically designed for defense and high-security environments. The initial lineup includes the UltiMaker... read more »

News
UltiMaker Launches Secure 3D Printing Line for Defense Applications

Digital Manufacturing Centre Delivers 90kg 3D Printed Military Vehicle Component

The Digital Manufacturing Centre (DMC) has completed production of its largest additive manufacturing metal component to date - a 90kg suspension and differential... read more »

3D Printing Metal
Digital Manufacturing Centre Delivers 90kg 3D Printed Military Vehicle Component

Designer Creates Modular Sneakers with 3D Printed Soles and Climbing Rope Laces

Daniyar Uderbekov, a designer based in Kazakhstan, has developed UDRB, a pair of modular sneakers designed to address environmental concerns in the footwear... read more »

Fashion

Nestlé Expands 3D Printing Operations for Manufacturing Parts Across UK Sites

Nestlé has implemented standardized 3D printing processes across its UK manufacturing facilities over the past year. The company uses a team of three... read more »

News
Nestlé Expands 3D Printing Operations for Manufacturing Parts Across UK Sites

Social

  • Facebook Facebook 3D Printing
  • Linkedin Linkedin 3D Printing
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Fashion
  • Medical
  • Military
  • QIDI Plus4

    • - Print size: 305 x 305 x 280 mm
    • - print temperature of 370°C
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • Snapmaker Artisan Premium 3-in-1

    • - Print size: 400 x 400 x 400 mm
    • - comes with enclosure
    More details »
    $2,999.00 Snapmaker
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Tech Q1 Pro

    • - Print size: 245 x 245 x 245 mm
    • - 600mm/s max speed
    More details »
    $449.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Tech X-Max 3

    • - Print size: 325 x 325 x 315 mm
    • - fully enclosed
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now

Company Information

  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing

Blog

  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal

Featured Reviews

  • Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
  • Creality Ender 5 S1
  • The Mole 3D Scanner
  • Flashforge Creator 3 Pro

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
2025 — Strikwerda en Dehue
  • Home
  • Join our mailing list
  • Contact us
Blog
  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal
Featured Industries
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
Company Information
  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing