3D-Printed Micro-Tweezers with a Compliant Mechanism Designed Using Topology Optimization

Micromachines

Shinji Nishiwaki¹  Takayuki Yamada²  Tomoyuki Shimono³  Shoji Maruo³  Tatsuto Kageyama³  Taichi Furukawa³  Junji Fukuda³  Masaru Mukai³  Minoru Yokoyama⁴  Yukihito Moritoki⁴  Jinyi Sun⁴ 

[1] Department of Mechanical Engineering and Science, Kyoto University, C3 Kyotodaigaku-katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan;Department of Strategic Studies, Institute of Engineering Innovation, School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo–ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan;Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan;Graduate School of Engineering Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan;

关键词: topology optimization;    3D printing;    microstereolithography;    compliant mechanism;    micro-manipulator;    micro-tweezers;   

DOI  :  10.3390/mi12050579

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The development of handling technology for microscopic biological samples such as cells and spheroids has been required for the advancement of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. In this study, we developed micro-tweezers with a compliant mechanism to manipulate organoids. The proposed method combines high-resolution microstereolithography that uses a blue laser and topology optimization for shape optimization of micro-tweezers. An actuation system was constructed using a linear motor stage with a force control system to operate the micro-tweezers. The deformation of the topology-optimized micro-tweezers was examined analytically and experimentally. The results verified that the displacement of the tweezer tip was proportional to the applied load; furthermore, the displacement was sufficient to grasp biological samples with an approximate diameter of several hundred micrometers. We experimentally demonstrated the manipulation of an organoid with a diameter of approximately 360 µm using the proposed micro-tweezers. Thus, combining microstereolithography and topology optimization to fabricate micro-tweezers can be potentially used in modifying tools capable of handling various biological samples.

【 授权许可】

Unknown