Scott Banks

Creates Precise Multicellular 3D Structures Needed for Experiments in Diverse Research Areas

This micro-biofabrication system combines computer vision, robotics, micromanipulation tools, and a novel culture medium to enable the creation of optimized 3D cellular structures. A level of exquisite detail exists in the intricate pattern and spatial structure of cells found in developing tissue. Micromanipulation tools allow precise translation and placement of single cells. However, available bioprinting systems cannot employ these tools to build highly intricate multicellular 3D structures in a cell-by-cell manner. They cannot hold the deposited cells in place while building structures without creating misconfigured layers or dispersed single cells. Researchers in many fields need effectively perfect multicellular 3D structures to understand topics like embryonic development, function-form relationships, immune signaling, and drug screening for efficacy and toxicity.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a cellular micro-masonry system that enables the microfabrication of highly intricate 3D cell structures. A 3D printing culture medium supports cellular structures as they are built one cell at a time using micromanipulation techniques and real-time imaging.

Application

A bioprinting system that builds perfect 3D structures cell by cell

Advantages

• Holds deposited cells in place, allowing one to build precise multicellular structures
• Creates various cell and tissue models, providing opportunity for drug testing and toxicity screening

Technology

This cellular micro-masonry system integrates a cell translation system, an imaging system, and a 3D culture medium. The culture medium that supports the 3D construction of cells is a liquid-like solid made from jammed microgels swollen in liquid growth media. Through micromanipulation and cell aspiration performed within this culture medium, the system retrieves dispersed cells one at a time, translates them to the building area, and places them at the desired location in 3D space. The system is mounted on a fast-scanning multi-photon microscope to enable real-time tracking of cells, path corrections, and structural refinements during the building process.

Coordinates Movement of Intraoperative Imaging Platforms and Surgical Tools Using Highly Advance Robotic Arms

This system of robotic arms increases accuracy and efficiency of image guided surgery (IGS). The IGS device market is projected to exceed $5 billion by 2023. Although they provide an improvement to surgical accuracy and precision, available IGS systems offer no reduction in operation time, have limited use within the surgical field environment, and do not produce intraoperative images of comparable quality to CT scans. These limitations have hindered the adoption of available IGS systems in applications such as spinal surgery.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a comprehensive IGS system that utilizes robotic arms and robotic imaging platforms to enhance safety and precision. The system uses three robots that manipulate imaging and surgical components into and out of the operative field to improve surgery efficiency and eliminate sterile surgical field issues associated with available intraoperative IGS.

Application

System of robotic arms and imaging platforms that enhances the accuracy and efficiency of intraoperative image-guided surgery

Advantages

• Provides intraoperative image guidance using choreographed, highly advanced robotic arms, increasing efficiency to reduce operation times
• Captures X-rays outside of the imaging field, reducing physician exposure to radiation
• Introduces and retracts surgical tools from operative field, eliminating many sterile-field issues
• Registers all types of images automatically in the same coordinate space, enhancing accuracy and improving surgical efficiency
• Enables non-equatorial scan trajectories, providing greatly increased flexibility and graphic reconstruction abilities

Technology

This imaging system incorporates robotic imaging and tool-holding arms that increase operational accuracy and precision, thereby providing higher-quality imaging while reducing operation time. The design includes three integrated robots, two for imaging and one for tool-holding. The imaging robots are capable of advanced two-dimensional and three-dimensional image acquisition and reconstruction and perform automatic image space calibration and registration. The tool-holding robot supports universal, on-the-fly tool calibration and advanced tool guidance.