3D Bioprinter Supply and Installation

Aston University intends to award the contract without a call for competition in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 ((32.2(b) ii). The contract duration is expected to be October 2023 to September 2024 as per the warranty period.

In order to achieve our objectives, the University requires the following:

• Ability to control the voxel size along one scanning plane using synchronized laser power modulation at high speeds. Necessary to achieve smooth surfaces for micro fluidic channels on much higher speeds for this high resolution compared to any other technique.

• Method of printing such as Dip-in Laser Lithography (DiLL), where the resin is simultaneously used as an immersion medium and written on the same side of the substrate as the imaging objective. This is necessary to eliminate height restrictions on printed structures. Some users plan structures of ~20mm height.

• Printing on non-transparent and non-planar surfaces in addition to planar transparent. This is necessary for many major users particularly those printing on CMOS chips, semiconductors and electronic interface components. Also users will require ability to print into commercially available microfluidic chips with channels and cell perfusion wells with range of ~1200-1700 µm depth.

• Upright printing platform (i.e. the objective approaches from above) is necessary for many planned user printing at Aston. It is ideal for wafer-scale and batch production, and enabling of large height structures.

• Availability of a wide range of materials to be used with the system, such as biocompatible low fluorescence material printing, glass structure printing, and biocompatible gels. Aston user experience with materials important for rapid and confident user uptake.

• Features of the equipment required for use in the Aston multiuser facility. These include a sound pressure level (LpA) below 40 dB(A), and remote access and monitoring of prints. Touchscreen user interface to allow intuitive operation and increase usability facilitating maximal usage.

• Additionally, features that enable rapid setup and calibration, with writing strategies to enable high throughput of large structures. These are necessary for the efficiency of Aston multiuser facility and approaches such as rapid prototyping.

• Short lead time to meet requirement of funding usage.

The University will not enter the proposed contract before 10 October 2023.