Creation of Multi-Functional Hybrid Devices/Structures by Three Dimensional Integration of Individual Components Using 3D Printing

Web Published:
7/26/2013
Description:

Creation of Multi-functional Hybrid Devices/Structures by Three Dimensional

Integration of Individual Components using 3D Printing

Princeton Docket 13-2861-1

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a novel process to provide three dimensional manufacturing of object containing various functionalities including light emitting diodes, transistors, biological tissues, and mechanical scaffolds etc. in a precise 3D architectural geometry prescribed by a CAD file from materials of various properties and functions, including electronic, mechanical, and biological functions.  Princeton is seeking a commercialization partner to license the technology.

The current technologies used in the industry that are intended to achieve material integration provide this only in a two dimensional fashion. This process based on simultaneous 3D printing presents a novel concept of attaining a seamless three integration of components of various functionalities when printed from component materials. This enables hybrid 3D printed devices/structures having multiple functionalities offered by its component units. A major advantage of this process is that since the integration of various components is achieved during their manufacturing to form the final device/structure, as opposed to making the components first and then assembling, this process offers a unique seamless merging of its components and potential for unique architectures.

It is anticipated that this method could be used in creation of novel hybrid devices/structures that exhibit multiple functionalities. For example, it can be used to create of a true bionic organ made by the seamless 3D integration of biological cells forming tissue with electronic components such as light emitting diodes and transistors.

 

Applications

 

·         Creation of novel hybrid devices/structures using the seamless 3D integration technology.

 

Advantages     

 

·         Enables material integration.

·         Simultaneous 3D printing of components of various functionalities.

 

The Faculty Inventor

 

Michael McAlpine is Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University and an associated faculty member with the Department of Chemistry and the Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials (PRISM). His research has focused on nanotechnology-enabled approaches to biointerfacing materials, for fundamental investigations in the biological and energy sciences. His work has been featured in major media outlets, including Time Magazine and the New York Times. He has received a number of awards, most prominently a TR35 Young Innovator Award, an Air Force Young Investigator Award, an Intelligence Community Young Investigator Award, a DuPont Young Investigator Award, a DARPA Young Faculty Award, and an American Asthma Foundation Early Excellence Award.

 

Intellectual Property status

Patent protection is pending.         

Princeton is currently seeking commercial partners for the further development and commercialization of this opportunity.

 

Contact

 

Michael Tyerech

Princeton University Office of Technology Licensing 

(609) 258-6762  tyerech@princeton.edu

 

Laurie S. Bagley

Princeton University Office of Technology Licensing 

(609) 258-5579  lbagley@princeton.edu

 

Patent Information:
For Information, Contact:
Chris Wright
Head of Technology Transfer
Princeton University
609-243-2425
cw20@princeton.edu
Inventors:
Michael McAlpine
Manu Mannoor
Blake Johnson
Yong Lin Kong
Keywords:
materials
tissue engineering
tissue repair