3D Printing Used to Study Cell Communication at Rowan University
Researchers at Rowan University are employing 3D printing technology to create intricate models that facilitate the study of cell-to-cell communication.
Scientists at Rowan University have developed a novel application for 3D printing, utilizing it to construct specialized microfluidic devices. These devices are designed to mimic the complex biological environments where cells interact.
The core of this development lies in the ability of 3D printing to precisely fabricate intricate channels and chambers within these microfluidic chips. This allows researchers to control the flow of nutrients and signaling molecules, thereby creating specific conditions to observe how different cell types communicate with each other.
This technique enables the isolation and observation of cellular interactions in a more controlled and detailed manner than traditional methods. By creating these custom biological models, the team aims to gain deeper insights into fundamental biological processes and potentially disease mechanisms.
The project, led by Dr. James Z. Wang, a professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, highlights the growing role of additive manufacturing in advancing biological and medical research.
This development showcases the utility of 3D printing for creating sophisticated microfluidic platforms, essential for studying complex biological systems. The precision offered by additive manufacturing allows for the creation of controlled cellular environments, advancing research in cell biology and disease modeling. This aligns with the broader trend of using AM to develop custom lab-on-a-chip devices for more efficient and detailed scientific investigation.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.