Using stereolithography to 3D print GelMA hydrogels

The two projects covered by this thesis describe new ways to leverage modern advancements in additive manufacturing techniques in the field of biofabrication. The initial project was a proof-of-principle study which involved the selection, customisation and use of a commercially available stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer to produce synthetic structures using GelMA hydrogels for a cartilage fabrication process. The second topic investigated improving the accuracy, design processes and reproducibility of melt-electrospinning onto a rotating mandrel. This investigation advanced the process from a winding procedure to an accurate 3D printing fabrication method with a particular focus on tubular nerve guide construction