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2017 Scientific Images Contest Winners

3-D printed copper or air? Open Access (recommended)

This image originally appeared as part of Northwestern's Scientific Images Contest. The contest and subsequent exhibitions are organized by Science in Society, the university's research center for science education and public engagement. Further information and opportunities to participate are available on their website. Prints and canvas editions of these Northwestern research images can also be purchased online (with the small net profit going to science education and outreach programming in the Chicago area). | 2017 Second Place

Descriptions

Resource type(s)
Pictorial Works
Keyword
3-D printing
Copper
liquid biomaterials
tissue regeneration
polymer skeleton
Rights
All rights reserved
Creator
Jakus, Adam Edward
Abstract
This 3D-printed copper salt structure can be used in many ways. Here, it floats in a jar of water. The water dissolves the copper salt, resulting in a blue color, and transforming the structure into a very porous sponge-like material. When the salt has been completely dissolved, a polymer skeleton remains. This skeleton resembles the original 3D-printed shape but is incredibly light, like air.Creating materials like these is important because the "polymer skeletons sponge" can be used to implant all kinds of potent gel and liquid biomaterials during surgery. These fragile gels are currently being used to regenerate parts of tissues and organs.
Related URL
Publisher
Science in Society
DigitalHub. Galter Health Sciences Library
Date Created
2017
Subject: MESH
Copper
Printing, Three-Dimensional
Water
DOI
10.18131/G3RJ05
ARK
ark:/c8131/g3rj05

File Details

File Properties
Mime type: image/jpeg
File size: 4202.7 kB