(LR-033) 3D-Printed Tool for Creating Standardized and High-Throughput Burn Wounds in Ex Vivo Human Viable Skin Tissues
Thursday, May 16, 2024
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM East Coast USA Time
fahimeh Tabatabaei, PhD
Introduction: The development of biomaterials and medical devices for burn wound treatment necessitates thorough investigation through in vitro/ex vivo models before transitioning to animal studies. Establishing a standardized and high-throughput burn wound model in ex vivo skin presents a considerable challenge. Our objective was to address this challenge by developing a practical and cost-effective 3D-printed burn wound tool capable of uniformly inducing burns in 12 skin samples simultaneously.
Methods: Utilizing Autodesk Inventor software, we designed a 3D model comprising a Plate-Base component (PBC) and a Rod-Base component (RBC). The design was exported as a Standard Triangulation Language (STL) file, processed through "Slicer" software to generate a G-code file tailored for 3D printing.
Results: The Rod-Base component underwent iterative design modifications to optimize weight, airflow, and material consumption, resulting in a final design featuring a unique star shape for enhanced airflow. Simultaneously, the Plate-Base component design evolved to enable easy and secure plate placement, demonstrating compatibility with 12-well plates. The average production time for the model was 14.5 hours, with a production cost of approximately $20, covering printing material and steel rods.
Discussion: The increasing affordability and accessibility of three-dimensional printing contributes to the creation of more efficient and customized instruments. The literature concerning the utilization of 3D-printed models as a rapid prototyping method is growing, primarily because of the heightened accessibility, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness of 3D printers. While the literature is rich in papers showcasing potential applications of 3D printing in the development of new materials, simulations, specialized training, and patient education, it lacks articles discussing the development of customized instruments for burn wounding. This paper presents a novel design for a 3D-printed tool, aiming to simplify and expedite the uniform creation of burn wounds in viable skin tissues. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the required equipment and software, empowering researchers to efficiently produce their accurate and cost-effective 3D-printed tool for controlled and reproducible burn wound creation in ex vivo viable skin tissues.