I am working in collaboration with several people at the Baltimore Under Ground Science Space, a community biology lab, to develop a 3D printer capable of printing biological material. We are an interdisciplinary group of biologists, engineers, and artists. We are exploring multiple approaches to bioprinting including syringe-based printing of cells suspended in agar, filament-based printing with polycaprolactone, and DLP Stereolithography with photopolymer hydrogels. We have focused on printing with plant cells and genetically engineered bacteria, but will likely expand into working with mammalian cells in the future. Our work is related to much of the research in organ printing, but is also inspired by exciting new work in biofabrication that utilizes biology to create novel materials and forms. Our creative approach leverages and advances open-source technology with innovations in hardware, software, biological media, and protocols.
The group meets weekly and interested people are welcome to join. Email ryan@ryanhoover.org for more info.