Changxue Xu has received a $50,000 grant from NSF
Changxue Xu, an associate professor in the Department of Industrial, Manufacturing & Systems Engineering at Texas Tech University’s Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering, has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program to explore the commercial potential of a novel 3D bioprinting technology.
Xu’s team has developed a dynamic circulation system designed to prevent cell sedimentation and aggregation, a persistent problem in the 3D bioprinting process that can lower the quality and functionality of printed tissues and organs.
“Our team has developed an innovative dynamic circulation system as a more effective and efficient mitigation approach to mitigate cell sedimentation and aggregation in 3D bioprinting,” Xu said. “We have filed a patent PCT/US23/71536, and received a prototype award from the TTU Innovation Hub. With this NSF I-Corps grant, we will evaluate and validate the potential commercial applications of our dynamic circulation system, which could significantly improve performance of cell-based biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.”
The technology uses a peristaltic pump to circulate bioink from the bottom of a container back to the top, keeping cells evenly suspended and reducing the likelihood of clumping. This gentle circulation method preserves cell viability, potentially improving the accuracy and reliability of bio printed structures.
Uneven cell placement has long been a challenge for applications such as transplantable organs, drug testing, and personalized medicine. Current solutions, including active stirring and specialized bioink materials, can damage cells, require precise preparation, and are difficult to use with multiple cell types. Xu’s approach aims to address these limitations while enhancing printing reliability and performance.
The I-Corps program emphasizes experiential learning and industry engagement to help researchers identify pathways for translating laboratory innovations into commercial products. Xu’s project will investigate market needs and potential applications for the circulation system in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and pharmaceutical research.
If successful, the technology could advance medical research, reduce reliance on organ donors, and improve treatment options for patients.