Budget

Scanning Electron Microscopy (JEOL 7500F HRSEM or Quanta 600 FEG ESEM): $300

In order to visualize the bone graft at a nanoscale, the materials must be analyzed with a scanning electron microscope, which will enable us to perform degradation studies, characterize the material, and understand the accuracy of the printing mechanism. One important trait that can be visualized with an SEM is the porosity. As cells and growth factors will be embedded in this material, the size of the pores is critical. The microscope is billed on an hourly basis and must be scheduled in advance.

Skull models:           $100

We will need to buy skull models to be able to model cranial fractures. With these, we will be able to remove parts of the model skulls and recreate a 3D image from CT. We will then be able to see if our 3D-printed constructs actually fit into the skull models.

CT scans:           Free*

We hope to work with radiologists and physicians to use CT or MRI scans of patients who had critical cranial damage to perform the same experiment as the skull models but with real cases to understand how accurately the grafts could be made. Ideally, these doctors would allow us time to use the CT scanners to create images of our own skulls; however, we note that this may be an extra fee associated with the project if we must pay for our research study.

Other:            Free

Various other materials, such as general lab equipment, PCL, NaCl particles, Hydroxyapatite, mesoprous silica nanoparticles (MSN) made from Silica-sol (Xerogel), and growth factors will all be provided by Dr. Ducheyne’s lab. Other testing can be completed, such as DMA testing and 3D printing, can be completed for free throughout various departments in the School of Engineering.