CREATE Lab - 3d Microfabrication

The CRoss-InstitutE Advanced Tissue Engineering (CREATE) Lab is an established core facility dedicated to biofabrication of advanced 3D tissues and microfluidic devices. It houses state-of-the-art equipment for 3D bio-printing, microfabrication, and device analysis. The aim of the CREATE Lab is to support the development of next-generation 3D tissues and disease models for use in biomedical research and regenerative medicine.

Microfabrication and Bioprinting Equipment 

3D Discovery bio-printing system (regenHU)

The 3D Discovery Biosafety system is an advanced 3D printer enclosed within a class II biosafety cabinet. The system can be configured with up to 4 print heads, including syringe-based extrusion and micro-valve droplet dispensing. The system also provides temperature control for print heads and the printing platform, as well as a UV tool for photo-crosslinking and curing. Printer operation and construct design is controlled through the external computer and CAD/CAM software.

Micro-fabrication suite

The CREATE Lab houses a suite of equipment for photolithography and fabrication of microfluidic devices and micropatterned surfaces. Key pieces of equipment include a spin coater (SPIN150i, SPS), UV masking system (KUB-6, Kloe), hot plates, plasma oxidiser (Zepto, Henniker), and a thermoevaporator (Moorfield nanoPVD). In addition, the lab provides an optical profilometer (Profilm 3D, Filmetrics) for characterisation of microfabricated surfaces, and syringe pumps for introduction of dynamic fluid flow.

Filament based 3D printer Craftbot2

This equipment is suitable for printing PLA and ABS to produce custom sample holders/parts. The facility offers support in CAD drafting.

Contact and Further Information

Visit the CREATE website for further information
Academic Lead and Director, Professor John Connelly, Professor of Bioengineering, j.connelly@qmul.ac.uk
Biofabrication Research Engineer, Dr Liisa Blowes, l.m.blowes@qmul.ac.uk