Multi-headed auto-calibrating bioprinter with heads that heat, cool, and crosslink

Abstract

The present invention relates to a three-dimensional bioprinter for printing and/or patterning a single type or multiple types of cells into different geometrical arrangements and other three-dimensional structures, such as tissues. The bioprinter comprises multiple heads that can each be loaded with a different cartridge containing a biomaterial or biological material such as cells in a solution or cells in a hydrogel. Each bioprinter head and cartridge has the ability to heat or cool using Peltier technology. The bioprinter also has the ability to auto calibrate on a bed plate configured to accept a petri dish or microtiter plate.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cartridge assembly for printing biomaterials comprising:
 a cartridge inlet configured to receive at least one of a composition and a dispensing device;   a central canister configured to surround at least a portion of the cartridge inlet;   a temperature control element configured to contact the central canister and one or more heat sinks, the temperature control element configured to maintain the cartridge inlet within a set temperature range; and   an attachment mechanism for reversibly attaching the cartridge assembly to a central mount of a three-dimensional bioprinter.   
     
     
         2 . The cartridge assembly of  claim 1  comprising one or more fans configured to contact and dispense heat towards or from the heat sinks. 
     
     
         3 . The cartridge assembly of  claim 1  comprising a light emitting diode positioned below the central canister, the light emitting diode configured to produce and apply electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength greater than 405 nanometers to an extruded product. 
     
     
         4 . The cartridge assembly of  claim 1  comprising an orifice positioned opposite the cartridge inlet, wherein the orifice is configured to allow at least a portion of the delivery device to exit the cartridge assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The cartridge assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism comprises at least one of mechanical force, electromagnetic force, pressurized force, one or more latches, magnetic attraction, collet chuck grip, ferrule, nut, barrel adapter, robotic arms, compression seal. 
     
     
         6 . The cartridge assembly of  claim 1 , comprising an attachment sensor, wherein the attachment sensor comprises at least one of magnetic, electrical or mechanical elements configured to determine if the cartridge is engaged with the central mount of the three-dimensional bioprinter. 
     
     
         7 . The cartridge assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the attachment sensor further comprises a light sensor or alarm configured to generate an alarm when it is determined that cartridge assembly is disengaged from the central mount. 
     
     
         8 . The cartridge assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature control unit comprises a Peltier element. 
     
     
         9 . The cartridge assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the set temperature range is between about −20° C. to 150° C. 
     
     
         10 . The cartridge assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the central canister comprises a heat transfer material, and wherein the heat transfer material comprises at least one of copper, aluminum, and nickel. 
     
     
         11 . The cartridge assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a biomaterial, a biological material, a curable extrusion agent, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The cartridge assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the biological material comprises a cell, a protein, a biochemical, a growth factor, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The cartridge assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the biological material comprises a hydrogel, a matrigel, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         14 . A method for three-dimensional printing of biological materials comprising:
 engaging a cartridge assembly with a central mount of a three-dimensional bioprinter;   maintaining the contents of the cartridge assembly at a set temperature range via a temperature control element of the cartridge assembly;   extruding the contents of the cartridge assembly onto a receiving plate positioned below the cartridge assembly; and   applying electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of 405 nm or greater to the extruded contents.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , comprising:
 loading a delivery device with a composition; and   inserting the delivery device into a cartridge inlet of the cartridge assembly, wherein the composition comprises a biomaterial, a biological material, a curable extrusion agent or a combination thereof.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , comprising:
 loading a composition directly into a cartridge inlet of the cartridge assembly, wherein the composition comprises a biomaterial, a biological material, a curable extrusion agent, or a combination thereof.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , comprising:
 determining via an attachment sensor, whether the cartridge assembly is engaged with the central mount of the three-dimensional bioprinter; and   emitting at least one of an audible sound or a light when it is determined that the cartridge assembly is not engaged with the central mount of the three-dimensional bioprinter.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14  wherein extruding the contents of the cartridge assembly comprises applying at least one of a mechanical, electrical or pneumatic mechanism. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein engaging the cartridge assembly with the central mount of the three-dimensional bioprinter comprises a spring and latch attachment mechanism, or a magnetic attachment. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the set temperature range is between about between about −20° C. to 150° C.