Digital Fracture: New Approach for 3D Organ Modeling

Abstract

Biofabrication emerged a few years ago as a new research field with a set of promising technologies that have the potential to impact multiple sectors. In this field, the idea of 3D bioprinting originated from rapid prototyping (additive manufacturing) technology. This technology consists of some steps or stages, the first of which is the development of virtual computer models. However, there are some challenges to be overcome in order to develop reliable models for bioprinting purposes. Here, we present the proposal of a workflow using free and open-source software to produce reliable organ models from computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. We also propose the concept of digital fracture as a novel approach applicable to generating computer-aided design (CAD) models, especially for 3D bioprinting processes. This novel strategy can be used as an organic way to create smaller organ models compatible with some limitations of the current bioprinters, including relatively low speed, limited spatial resolution, and low accuracy.