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Published Online: 29 October 2024

Bioreactors as Additive Manufacturing Environments

Publication: 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

This article discusses the evolving use of bioreactors, beyond traditional life sciences and bioengineering, in fields such as architecture, fashion, and product design. It explores the role of bioreactors in additive fabrication, highlighting their distinct characteristics compared with conventional digital manufacturing. The discussion is centered on the differences in materializing biologically-active (living) versus biologically-passive, or biologically-derived (nonliving) matter in which ingredients require closed-loop fabrication environments that differ from traditional additive manufacturing tools. Two novel biofabrication platforms, Microbial Design Studio and B | reactor are presented as examples with case studies demonstrating their use in various manufacturing workflows with live cells. The article emphasizes the unique capabilities of bioreactors in engaging with living matter and facilitating complex interactions between biological, algorithmic, and mechanical systems in additive manufacturing.

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

cover image 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing
3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

History

Published online: 29 October 2024

Authors

Affiliations

Stuart Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Notes

Address correspondence to: Orkan Telhan, Stuart Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania, 200 S. 36th St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA [email protected]

Author Disclosure Statement

The author acknowledges that there was no conflict of interest between this research and potential commercial interests of the companies involved. Biorealize Inc., ceased operations before the publication of this article.

Funding Information

The funds used for the research, design, and build of the biomanufacturing platforms Microbial Design Studio and B | reactor were provided by Biorealize.

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