SVEn - An Economical Open-Source Approach for Syringe-Based Direct Ink Writing of Biomaterials Compatible with Bed Slinger 3D Printers

The availability of consumer-grade 3D printers has sparked innovative applications in research, particularly in engineering and medicine. Fused filament fabrication (FFF) has drastically accelerated iterative prototyping, while direct ink writing (DIW) of, e.g., hydrogels holds promise in medical applications. However, commercial bioprinters are not yet available at low cost. The primary objective was to establish a cost-effective and easily accessible system, reducing barriers for researchers to engage in biomaterial- and bio-printing for small-volume extrusions (SVEn). A Creality Ender 3 V2 was used as a base due to the machine’s open-source nature, the availability of software and hardware files, and its wide popularity and availability. All structural parts were printed via FFF, and the necessary mechanical components are cheap, widely available, and typically found in 3D printers. No modifications to the electrical wiring were required, and firmware adaptations were implemented via g-code commands prior to printing. The extruder was designed to fit the Ender 3 mounting plate. With adaptations to the mounting mechanism, it can be used on other cartesian-style 3D printers. The DIW extruder system is designed to be operated with a 5 mL syringe. Conventional cell culture ware (well plates and Petri dishes) and FFF 3D printed surfaces and textiles can be used as printing surfaces. Printed substrates (e.g., alginate, gelatin, pastes) represent a variety of processable viscosities and enable the processing of viable cells. The extrusion system presented herein may constitute a valuable tool for developing novel treatments in the medical field.