Programming and Preparation of a 3D Bioprinter to Produce Vessels-on-a-Plate (VOP) for Cell Culture

To begin with, visit an online G-Code simulation tool such as NCViewer to generate and visualize the printing path. Click the new file icon on the interface to create a new G-Code file. Manually write the G-Code commands for the sacrificial channel and the silicon chamber.

Once the G-Code is completed, click the save file icon on the interface to download the file with a nc extension. Combine the silicone polymers SE1700 and PDMS in a 10 to two ratio. Then add the curing agent for each polymer in a 10 to one ratio, polymer to curing agent.

With a planetary mixer, thoroughly mix and degas the polymer mixture at 2, 000 RPM. Now use a spatula to transfer the mixed silicone polymer into a 10 milliliter disposable syringe. Centrifuge the loaded syringe at 400 G for three minutes at five degree Celsius to ensure uniform consistency and avoid bubbles during printing.

Next, add a weight amount of Pluronic F127 to distilled water and create a 40%stock solution. Mix the Pluronic F127 solution in a planetary mixer for three minutes at 400 G.Keep the homogenized mixture at four degrees Celsius for the complete dissolution of the solid. Before printing, mix 100 microliters of thrombin with 900 microliters of the Pluronic F127 to prepare one milliliter of sacrificial ink.