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Deep-penetrating acoustic volumetric printing uses ultrasound waves and sono-ink for deeper penetration, overcoming the limitations of light-based volumetric printing.
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Achieves millimeter precision in printing, suitable for high-speed manufacturing and healthcare applications.
- Demonstrated in creating artificial bones and in vivo medical fabrications, showing promise for bone repair and minimally invasive procedures.
Xiao Kuang and his team have developed a breakthrough in 3D printing technology called deep-penetrating acoustic volumetric printing (DAVP). This method employs a unique self-enhancing sonicated ink (sono-ink) and a focused ultrasound technique, allowing for effective, deep-material printing beyond the constraints of traditional optical properties.
Deep-penetrating acoustic volumetric printing benefits
DAVP stands out from conventional volumetric printing, which is limited by light-based photopolymerization, as it uses ultrasound waves for deeper material penetration and can print in opaque media. The sono-ink is specifically designed to react to heat and sound waves, forming a gel that prevents unwanted flow while enabling heat-triggered polymerization.
DAVP Uses
DAVP has successfully printed various nanocomposite materials, achieving millimeter-scale precision and depth of several centimeters. Its potential extends to high-speed, high-resolution manufacturing and is particularly promising for minimally invasive procedures in healthcare. Demonstrated applications include the creation of artificial bones and left atrial appendage closures in vivo, highlighting its capability for in situ medical fabrications.
Implications
This innovative ultrasound-based technique promises to revolutionize medical treatments, particularly in vivo bioprinting, such as bone repair.
References
Kuang, Xiao, Qiangzhou Rong, Saud Belal, Tri Vu, Alice M. López López, Nanchao Wang, Mehmet Onur Arıcan, et al. 2023. “Self-Enhancing Sono-Inks Enable Deep-Penetration Acoustic Volumetric Printing.” Science 382 (6675): 1148–55. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adi1563
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