Focus topic: | Life Science Technologies |
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Type of funding: | Project funding programmes |
Programme: | CZS Wildcard |
Funded institution: |
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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.
Involved persons:
Dr. Andrea Toulouse
Universität Stuttgart
Detailed information:
Focus topic: | Life Science Technologies |
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Programme: | CZS Wildcard |
Type of funding: | Project funding programmes |
Target groups: | Professors Postdocs Junior professors Junior research group leaders |
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Funding budget: | 750.000 € |
Period of time: | Dezember 2022 - Dezember 2024 |