3D printed anisotropic tissue simulants with embedded fluid capsules for medical simulation and training.

Abstract

Human tissues are primarily composed of collagen and elastin fiber networks that exhibit directional mechanical properties that are not replicable by conventional tissue simulants manufactured via casting. Here, we 3D print tissue simulants that incorporate anisotropic mechanical properties through the manipulation of infill voxel shape and dimensions. A mathematical model for predicting the anisotropy of single- and multimaterial structures with orthogonal infill patterns is developed. We apply this methodology to generate conformal printing toolpaths for replicating the structure and directional mechanics observed in native tissue within 3D printed tissue simulants. Further, a method to embed fluid-filled capsules within the infill structure of these tissue simulants to mimic blood is also presented. The improvements in simulation quality when using 3D printed anisotropic tissue simulants over conventional tissue simulants are demonstrated via a comparative acceptability study. These advances open avenues for the manufacture of next-generation tissue simulants with high mechanical fidelity for enhanced medical simulation and training.