Computational Modeling in Biofabrication
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Biofabrication Fabrication course at Greenwich School of Business and Finance. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Additive manufacturing (AM) #
** A process of joining materials to make objects from 3D model data, usually layer upon layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing methodologies.
**Bio #
inks:** Materials used in biofabrication that contain living cells, biomaterials, and/or bioactive molecules.
**Biofabrication #
** The use of automated systems to create biological structures in a controlled manner, with applications in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug discovery.
**Biological fabrication #
** A subfield of biofabrication that involves using living cells, microorganisms, or enzymes to create functional biological structures, such as tissues and organs.
**Cell #
laden hydrogel:** A hydrogel that contains living cells, used as a bio-ink in biofabrication.
**Computational modeling #
** The use of mathematical and computational approaches to simulate and predict the behavior of complex systems, such as those found in biofabrication.
**Digital fabrication #
** The process of creating physical objects from digital designs, including additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, and other automated fabrication techniques.
**Fabrication #
** The process of creating physical objects from raw materials, including both traditional and digital techniques.
**Hydrogel #
** A cross-linked polymer network that can absorb and retain large amounts of water, used as a bio-ink in biofabrication.
**Laser #
assisted bioprinting (LaBP):** A biofabrication technique that uses a laser to selectively transfer cells and biomaterials onto a substrate, creating complex three-dimensional structures.
**Microextrusion #
** A biofabrication technique that uses a computer-controlled syringe to deposit bio-inks in a layer-by-layer manner, creating three-dimensional structures.
**Scaffold #
** A temporary support structure used in tissue engineering to provide a framework for cells to grow and differentiate.
**Stereolithography (SLA) #
** A type of additive manufacturing that uses a laser to selectively cure a photosensitive resin, creating three-dimensional objects.
**Subtractive manufacturing #
** A manufacturing technique that involves removing material from a solid block to create a desired shape, as opposed to adding material, as in additive manufacturing.
**Tissue engineering #
** The use of cells, biomaterials, and engineering principles to create functional tissue substitutes for medical applications.
**Three #
dimensional (3D) bioprinting:** A biofabrication technique that uses 3D printing technology to create complex three-dimensional structures from bio-inks, including cells, biomaterials, and bioactive molecules.
**Two #
dimensional (2D) bioprinting:** A biofabrication technique that uses 2D printing technology to create planar structures from bio-inks, including cells, biomaterials, and bioactive molecules.
**Vat photopolymerization #
** A type of additive manufacturing that uses a vat of photosensitive resin and a light source to selectively cure the resin, creating three-dimensional objects.
**Bioprinting #
** A subset of biofabrication that involves using 3D printing technology to create complex three-dimensional structures from bio-inks, including cells, biomaterials, and bioactive molecules.
**Biofabrication simulation #
** The use of computational models to simulate and predict the behavior of biofabrication processes, including the interactions between bio-inks, scaffolds, and cells.
**Biological systems modeling #
** The use of mathematical and computational approaches to simulate and predict the behavior of biological systems, such as those found in biofabrication.
**Computer #
aided design (CAD):** The use of computer software to create, modify, and analyze designs for manufacturing and engineering applications.
**Computer #
aided manufacturing (CAM):** The use of computer software to control and automate manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing and digital fabrication.
**Digital twin #
** A virtual model of a physical object or system, used for simulation, prediction, and optimization.
**Finite element analysis (FEA) #
** A computational modeling technique used to predict the behavior of structures and systems under various loads and conditions.
**Multi #
material biofabrication:** The use of multiple bio-inks and fabrication techniques to create complex, multi-material structures in biofabrication.
**Multi #
physics simulation:** The use of computational models to simulate and predict the behavior of systems that involve multiple physical phenomena, such as fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and structural mechanics.
**Parametric design #
** A design approach that uses mathematical relationships to create flexible, adaptable designs, often used in combination with computer-aided design and manufacturing.
**Rheology #
** The study of the flow and deformation of matter, used to characterize the properties of bio-inks and other materials used in biofabrication.
**Topology optimization #
** A computational modeling technique used to optimize the distribution of materials in a structure for maximum performance, often used in combination with additive manufacturing.
**Bioprinting process #
** A series of steps involved in creating a three-dimensional structure using biofabrication technology, including design, material preparation, fabrication, and post-processing.
**Bio #
ink preparation:** The process of mixing and formulating bio-inks, including cells, biomaterials, and bioactive molecules, for use in biofabrication.
**Cell viability #
** The percentage of living cells in a population, used as a measure of the effectiveness of biofabrication processes.
**Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) #
** A computational modeling technique used to simulate and predict the behavior of fluids, such as those found in biofabrication processes.
**Fabrication post #
processing:** The process of finishing and preparing a three-dimensional structure after fabrication, including cleaning, sterilization, and functionalization.
**Material characterization #
** The process of measuring and analyzing the properties of materials used in biofabrication, including rheology, biocompatibility, and printability.
**Precision medicine #
** A medical approach that takes into account individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors to create personalized treatments, often using biofabrication and tissue engineering techniques.
**Scaffold design #
** The process of creating a three-dimensional structure that provides a framework for cells to grow and differentiate, often using computer-aided design and manufacturing techniques.
**Tissue maturation #
** The process of allowing a three-dimensional structure to develop and mature over time, often using culture conditions and bioreactors.
**Biofabrication challenges #
** The technical, ethical, and regulatory issues that arise in the development and use of biofabrication technology, including cell sourcing, biocompatibility, and scale-up.
**Biofabrication limitations #
** The technical and practical limitations of biofabrication technology, including resolution, speed, and cost.
**Biofabrication opportunities #
** The potential applications and benefits of biofabrication technology, including personalized medicine, regenerative medicine, and drug discovery.
**Computational modeling challenges #
** The technical, ethical, and regulatory issues that arise in the development and use of computational modeling in biofabrication, including accuracy, validation, and interpretation.
**Computational modeling limitations #
** The technical and practical limitations of computational modeling in biofabrication, including complexity, uncertainty, and computational resources.
**Computational modeling opportunities #
** The potential applications and benefits of computational modeling in biofabrication, including design optimization, process control, and predictive maintenance.
**Digital fabrication challenges #
** The technical, ethical, and regulatory issues that arise in the development and use of digital fabrication technology, including automation, standardization, and cybersecurity.
**Digital fabrication limitations #
** The technical and practical limitations of digital fabrication technology, including resolution, speed, and cost.
**Digital fabrication opportunities #
** The potential applications and benefits of digital fabrication technology, including mass customization, rapid prototyping, and distributed manufacturing.