Freeform production of cartilage structures using aerosol methods

Abstract

This project dealt with the construction of freeform structures embedded with cartilage cells. Cells were delivered in 18 wt% Pluronic? solution via a pressure atomizer onto a heated surface. The structure was constructed by adding subsequent layers after drying. Structures were analyzed for cell viability, total cell count and axial cell distribution using Trypan blue dye. We determined that 67.7% of total cells survived the process and that they were evenly distributed throughout the structure