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Visit our website at
www.customspinnerets.com
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Tips and Tricks for Successful Coaxial Bioprinting |
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The most common method for bioprinting two
materials simultaneously is via coaxial extrusion in a core/shell
configuration using different bioinks. In some cases, the outer shell is
sacrificial while the core material is cell-laden. In other
configurations, both the core and shell contain cultures. And in yet
other cases, the core may be hollow while the shell is cell-laden. By using a multi-lumen coaxial needle, it's possible to extrude a number of filaments all surrounded by a single shell. See the examples below of multi-channel coaxial needles.
The bioinks used in coaxial bioprinting include cell-laden materials, sacrificial (non-cell-laden) materials, hydrogels, and crosslinking solutions. It's possible to create nanotubes by using a crosslinking solution for the inner flow. By using a triaxial or quadaxial needle, it's possible to add additional layers of material. Multilayered filaments, for example, can be designed to emulate tissue found in vascular systems and other similar structures. The types of bioinks can also affect the success of the design. For example, the viscosity and needle gauge will drive the required extrusion pressure. If the required extrusion pressure exceeds the capacity of the pump, the coaxial extrusion may fail if an external pressure pump is not added to the setup. It's not surprising then that materials with lower viscosity often will work best. Thickeners made from nanoparticles should also be used with caution as they increase the risk of clogging. If clogging does occur, all ramé-hart coaxial needles can easily be disassembled for cleaning following the instructions at this link. You will also need a disassembly wrench and cleaning wires. Flow rates and pump pressure settings should also be considered as these will determine the relative diameters of the core and thicknesses of the shell components and additional layers. Trial and error is likely to be required to find optimal results in many cases. If your bioprinting application
requires a special coaxial needle such as a multi-channel design, or
anything that falls outside of our
prebuilt or custom coaxial needle designs, don't hesitate to
contact us with your specifications. We specialize in special
orders. |
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Survey Results |
This summer we sent out a survey to
a selection of our spinneret customers to better understand their needs.
If you already participated, we thank you. We'd like to share some preliminary results with you:
If you did not already participate in
the survey, and you've purchased one or more ramé-hart spinnerets, and
wish to participate, we would like to offer you $60 in store credit for
your participation and it will only take about two minutes to complete
the survey. Simply click on this
link to start the survey. We will send you a $60 credit afterwards.
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What's New |
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In June we released a new spinneret
product, our Custom Coaxial Needle with Tubing. Instead of traditional
female Luer connections, we offer press-to-connect fittings that mate
perfectly with our PTFE tubing. For the complete press release, please
visit this
page. For more information or to order a Custom Coaxial Needle with
Tubing, please visit this
page
and then scroll down to BOX 3.
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Promo Codes for our Customers |
If you made it this far, we'd like to
treat you to savings. Use either of the following coupons on your next
spinneret order.
  Fine print: Limit one coupon code per
order. Limit one use per customer. To receive the discount, order must
be placed online at www.ramehart.us
and paid for with a credit card. Enter the coupon code during checkout.
All coupon codes above expire on 1-Jan-2023. |
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Regards,
Carl Clegg |
