3D-printed tool for creating standardized burn wounds in ex vivo skin tissues

Abstract

Introduction

The development of biomaterials and medical devices for burn wound treatment necessitates thorough investigation through in vitro/ex vivo models before transitioning to animal studies. Establishing a standardized and high-throughput burn wound model in ex vivo skin presents a considerable challenge. Our objective was to address this challenge by developing a practical and cost-effective 3D-printed burn wound tool capable of uniformly inducing burns in 12 skin samples simultaneously.

Material and methods

Utilizing Autodesk Inventor software, we designed a 3D model comprising a plate-base component (PBC) and a rod-base component (RBC). The design was exported as a Standard Triangulation Language (STL) file, processed through "Slicer" software to generate a G-code file tailored for 3D printing.

Results

The Rod-Base component underwent iterative design modifications to optimize weight, airflow, and material consumption, resulting in a final design featuring a unique star shape for enhanced airflow. Simultaneously, the Plate-Base component design evolved to enable easy and secure plate placement, demonstrating compatibility with 12-well plates. The average production time for the model was 14.5 h, with a production cost of approximately $20 (USD), covering printing material and steel rods.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the required equipment and software, empowering researchers to efficiently produce their accurate and cost-effective 3D-printed tool for controlled and reproducible burn wound creation in ex vivo viable skin tissues.