Scalable visible light 3D printing and bioprinting using an organic light-emitting diode microdisplay

Summary

To address current unmet needs in terms of scalability and material biocompatibility for future photocrosslinking-based additive manufacturing technologies, emergent platform designs are in inexorable demand. In particular, a shift from the present use of cell-damaging UV light sources in light-based three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting methods demands new platforms. We adopted an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) microdisplay as a digital visible light modulator to create a 3D printing platform modality that offers scalability and multi-material capability while forgoing the need for UV photocrosslinking. We formulate biocompatible inks that are visible light-crosslinkable with relatively quick photoinitiation rates. We demonstrated successful attachment and rapid growth of primary human dermal fibroblast-adult (HDF-a) cells on biological substrates fabricated using the OLED platform. This platform incites new possibilities by providing a simple-yet-effective means for low-cost, high-throughput, and multi-material 3D fabrication of functional structures made of polymers, ceramic composites, and biomaterials.

Graphical abstract

Highlights

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  We present organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) as a modality of 3D printing

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  OLED 3D printing offers scalability and high-throughput fabrication at low cost

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  Averting UV crosslinking, visible light is well-positioned for bioprinted scaffolds

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  The platform is also capable of multi-material printing

Abstract

Bioelectrochemistry; Bioengineering; Devices