• Welcome
  • Project
  • EndoPrint3D – Endoscopic Bio-3D Printing on the Microscale

EndoPrint3D – Endoscopic Bio-3D Printing on the Microscale

Focus topic: Life Science Technologies
Type of funding: Project funding programmes
Programme: CZS Wildcard
Funded institution:
  • Universität Stuttgart

At the interface between physics, biotechnology and engineering, EndoPrint3D aims to surgically repair organ damage in the body in a minimally invasive manner. This is done by means of endoscopic micro-3D printing of biological tissue.

Goals

Minimally invasive methods can heal injuries in the body without damaging surrounding tissue. The EndoPrint3D project combines a fiber optic endoscope with 3D printing of biogenic materials to repair organ damage at the micrometer scale. A system consisting of a femtosecond laser, a multi-core fiber, micro-optics, microfluidic components and printable biomaterials is being developed. This system is designed to apply customized bio-inks directly to the injured organ and cure on-site with microscopic precision using the laser. At the same time, the 3D printing process can be monitored endoscopically in real time.

Currently, femtosecond 3D printing is only possible using a stationary microscope objective as a print head, which has the diameter of a 2-euro coin. As part of the project, this print head will be scaled down to the size of a thin needle and made movable.

EndoPrint3D is intended to enable endoscopic 3D printing of biomaterials directly in the body. This would revolutionize plastic microsurgery: In the future, holes in the hearts of embryos or premature babies could be repaired, for example, or repairs could be made to the ossicles.

By activating the video, personal data is processed by Google Ireland Limited and, if necessary, transmitted to third countries under data protection law. Further information is available in our Privacy Information.
View video

Involved persons:

Dr. Phil-Alan Gärtig

Program Manager

Phone: +49 (0)711 - 162213 - 10

E-mail: phil-alan.gaertig@carl-zeiss-stiftung.de

Dr. Andrea Toulouse

Universität Stuttgart

Detailed information:

Focus topic: Life Science Technologies
Programme: CZS Wildcard
Type of funding: Project funding programmes
Target groups: Professors
Postdocs
Junior professors
Junior research group leaders
Funding budget: 750.000 €
Period of time: Dezember 2022 - Dezember 2024

Funded institution:

Universität Stuttgart
Universität Stuttgart