Characterization of Ink for 3D Printing of Bone Scaffolds
Starting my first year of my undergraduate education, I began researching with the Wagoner Johnson Group within the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at UIUC. We tackle problems falling under the umbrella of biomaterials and biomechanics with applications ranging from bone repair and replacement, to preterm birth, to coral reef restoration. I have been involved with the bone scaffolds project, working to create custom, 3D-printed structures for synthetic bone repair.
The bone scaffold project lies at the intersection of control systems, additive manufacturing theory, materials science, chemistry, and biology. A custom biocompatible ink, composed primarily of hydroxyapatite, is deposited via extrusion-based 3D printing to create synthetic bone replacement material. The scaffold structures are used to investigate the osseointegration of the scaffolds' macropores and micropores.
Through the Illinois Scholars in Undergraduate Research (ISUR) program at UIUC, I was provided mentorship and scholarship support (awarded by Shell) to delve deeper into the project. I took ownership of the manufacturing and improvement of the biocompatible ink used to create the scaffolds. I applied techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction to analyze and tune the base of the ink. Post-processing measurements and analysis were used to delve into the rheological properties of the ink.
The following presentation was given at the spring 2020, virtual Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Awards & Recognition
2020: Undergraduate Research Symposium: Outstanding Poster Presentation in Technology & Sustainability
2019-2020: Illinois Scholars in Undergraduate Research Scholar
Principal Investigator
Amy Jaye Wagoner Johnson: ajwj@illinois.edu
Graduate Mentors
Ashley Armstrong: aaarmst2@illinois.edu
Sohaila Aboutaleb: sohaila2@illinois.edu