KR20200036336A - Apparatus for producing for artificial skin and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus and a control method thereof. According to an aspect of the present invention, provided is an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus including: a table provided in a flat shape extending in the X-axis and Y-axis directions; a culture part disposed on the table and provided with a plurality of culture containers capable of culturing artificial skin; a dermal printing module for discharging a dermal material forming a dermal layer of artificial skin in the plurality of the culture containers; and an epidermal printing module for discharging an epidermal material forming an epidermal layer of artificial skin in the plurality of the culture containers in which the dermal layer is formed.

Description

Artificial skin manufacturing device and its control method {APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING FOR ARTIFICIAL SKIN AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing artificial skin and a control method thereof.

The skin is the organ that covers the outside of the body and consists of three layers from the outside to the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layers. The epidermis is composed mostly of mesenchymal squamous cells. The dermis composed of matrix proteins such as collagen fibers and elastic fibers are located under the epidermis, and the dermis contains blood vessels, nerves, and sweat glands. The subcutaneous fat layer is composed of fat cells. The skin maintains its shape by interacting with various cells and constituents as described above, and exhibits various functions such as body temperature control and a function as a barrier to the external environment.

Artificial skin is a reconstruction of the skin as described above in three dimensions using skin cells and skin components such as collagen and elastin, and is composed of living fibroblasts and keratinocytes, similar to real skin. It is also called a skin equivalent or reconstructed skin because it exhibits structural and functional properties. Artificial skin is used not only for the replacement (permanent adhesion type) or regeneration (temporary coating type) of damaged skin such as burns or trauma, but also in various areas such as skin physiology research, skin irritation evaluation, and skin efficacy evaluation. .

However, in order to manufacture such artificial skin, fibroblasts and keratinocytes required for culturing artificial skin must be introduced into the culture vessel, respectively. At this time, it is necessary to input the correct amount of fibroblasts and keratinocytes into the culture vessel, respectively. However, depending on the skill level of the operator, it is not easy to input the correct amount into the culture vessel, and there is also a problem that a lot of work time is used.

In particular, in order to produce artificial skin, several steps are required, starting with cell culture, cell collection, ECM (extracellular matrix) preparation, cell dispensing, medium exchange, etc. These tasks require delicate and high concentration. Until now, workers had no choice but to proceed from start to finish. For this reason, the number of plates that can be produced by one worker at a time, that is, the number of artificial skins must be limited, and deviations are inevitable depending on the efficiency of the workers.

In such an environment, artificial skin has been recognized as an area where mass production is practically impossible, and thus the unit price of artificial skin is very high.

Patent Literature: Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1874790 (Registered on June 29, 2018)

The embodiments of the present invention have been proposed to solve the above problems, and artificial skin manufacturing apparatus and control thereof that can artificially produce artificial skin by rapidly injecting artificial skin material into a culture vessel and injecting an accurate amount I want to provide a method.

In addition, an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus capable of producing a large amount of artificial skin having uniform quality as a whole, and a control method thereof.

In addition, to provide an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus and a control method that can lower the production cost of artificial skin.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the table provided in a flat shape extending in the X-axis and Y-axis directions; A culture unit disposed on the table and provided with a plurality of culture containers capable of culturing artificial skin; A dermal printing module that discharges a dermal material forming a dermal layer of artificial skin into a plurality of the culture vessels; And an epidermal printing module for discharging the epidermal material forming the epidermal layer of artificial skin in a plurality of the culture vessels in which the dermal layer is formed.

In addition, the dermal printing module, a first discharge portion for discharging the dermal material; A first X-axis direction driving unit for moving the first discharge unit in the X-axis direction; A first Y-axis driving unit for moving the first discharge unit in the Y-axis direction; A first Z-axis driving unit for moving the first discharge unit in the Z-axis direction; And a first main block supporting the first discharge part and connected to any one of the first X-axis direction driving part or the second X-axis direction driving part and moving in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The device can be provided.

In addition, one of the first X-axis direction driving unit and the first Y-axis direction driving unit is fixed to the driving unit support frame provided in the table, and the other one of the first X-axis direction driving unit and the first Y-axis direction driving unit Is fixed to any one of the fixed to the driving unit support frame, the first Z-axis direction driving unit may be provided with an artificial skin manufacturing device provided in the first main block.

In addition, the first discharge part is one or more syringes, the syringe is fixed to the first main block, and a syringe fixing block movable in the Z-axis direction by the first Z-axis driving unit is provided, and the syringe The jig fixing block is provided with a syringe detachable part capable of detachably fixing the syringe, and the plunger pressurizing block for moving the plunger of the syringe and the plunger pressurizing block for moving the plunger of the syringe are provided in the syringe fixing block. An artificial skin manufacturing apparatus provided with a driving unit may be provided.

In addition, the syringe attachment and detachment portion is fixed to the syringe fixing block, a first syringe support unit having a first syringe insertion groove for supporting one side of the syringe; And a second syringe support selectively fixed to the first syringe support, and having a second syringe insertion groove corresponding to the first syringe insertion groove, wherein the plunger includes the syringe. An artificial skin manufacturing apparatus extending from the fixed state to the outside while connected to the plunger pressurizing block may be provided.

In addition, the second syringe support is rotatably provided by a hinge provided on one side of the first syringe support, and the second syringe support opens the first syringe insertion groove. The syringe may be provided with an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus that can be simultaneously coupled to or separated from the first syringe insertion groove and the plunger pressurizing block.

In addition, the dermal printing module may be provided with an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus including a first photographing unit for measuring a discharge state of the dermal material discharged from the first discharge unit.

In addition, the dermal printing module is movable in the Z-axis direction by the first Z-axis driving unit, and includes a first discharge unit fixing block for fixing the first discharge unit, and the first photographing unit comprises the first discharge An artificial skin manufacturing apparatus fixed to the secondary fixing block and moved in the Z-axis direction together with the first discharge portion may be provided.

In addition, the first photographing unit is a camera installed toward the Z-axis downward direction, and the first discharge unit fixing block is provided with a first reflecting unit for changing the photographing direction of the camera, and the first reflecting unit includes the camera 1 An artificial skin manufacturing apparatus having an angle capable of photographing a state in which the dermal material discharged from the discharge portion is accommodated in the culture container may be provided.

In addition, the skin printing module, a second discharge portion for discharging the skin material; A second X-axis direction driving unit for moving the second discharge unit in the X-axis direction; A second Y-axis driving unit for moving the second discharge unit in the Y-axis direction; A second Z-axis driving unit for moving the second discharge unit in the Z-axis direction; And a second main block supporting the second discharge part and connected to any one of the second X-axis direction driving part or the second Y-axis direction driving part and provided to be movable in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. An artificial skin manufacturing apparatus can be provided.

In addition, one of the second X-axis direction driving unit and the second Y-axis direction driving unit is fixed to the driving unit support frame provided in the table, and the other one of the second X-axis direction driving unit and the second Y-axis direction driving unit Is fixed to any one fixed to the driving unit support frame, the second Z-axis driving unit may be provided with an artificial skin manufacturing device provided in the second main block.

In addition, the second discharge unit is at least one micro-valve unit, the micro valve unit is fixed to the second main block, and the micro-valve unit fixing block movable in the Z-axis direction by the second Z-axis driving unit is provided. In addition, the micro-valve unit may be provided with an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus that is connected to a pump fixed to a pump support frame provided on the table, and is provided with pressure to inhale and discharge the epidermal material.

In addition, the skin printing module may be provided with an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus including a second photographing unit for measuring a discharge state of the skin material discharged from the second discharge unit.

In addition, the second photographing unit is a camera installed in a horizontal direction with the table on a second main block, and the skin printing module is movable in the Z-axis direction by the second Z-axis driving unit, and the second discharge unit A second discharge part fixing block for fixing; And the epidermal material fixed to the second discharge part fixing block, moved in the Z-axis direction together with the second discharge part, and the epidermal material from which the camera is discharged from the second discharge part at the discharge position of the second discharge part is cultured. An artificial skin manufacturing apparatus including a second reflector for converting an angle of light incident on the camera may be provided so as to photograph a state accommodated in the container.

In addition, a temperature sensor capable of measuring the temperature of the culture vessel; And a culture vessel temperature control unit capable of adjusting the temperature of the culture vessel according to the detection result of the temperature sensor.

In addition, the dermal printing module includes a first discharge portion that can move in a plurality of directions to discharge the dermal material to the plurality of culture vessels, and the epidermal printing module applies the epidermal material to the plurality of culture vessels. It includes a second discharge portion that can be moved in a plurality of directions to discharge, the temperature sensor is disposed adjacent to the first discharge portion or the second discharge portion and the first discharge portion or the second discharge portion An apparatus for manufacturing artificial skin, which is a non-contact temperature sensor movable together, may be provided.

In addition, it is further disposed on the table, further comprising a first storage unit for storing the dermal material, the first storage unit, a first storage container for providing a storage space in which the dermal material is stored; And a first temperature control unit that maintains the temperature of the first storage container below a predetermined temperature.

In addition, an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus that is disposed on the table and further includes a second storage unit capable of storing the epidermal material may be provided.

In addition, an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus may be provided that is further disposed on the table and further includes a washing unit capable of washing and drying the first ejection unit for ejecting the dermal material or the second ejection unit for ejecting the epidermal material.

According to an aspect of the present invention, measuring the temperature of the culture vessel for culturing artificial skin provided on the table; When the temperature of the culture vessel is within a preset temperature range, the dermal printing module suctions the dermal material from the first storage unit provided to the table by moving the first discharge unit and storing the dermal material below a predetermined temperature. ; The dermal printing module discharging the dermal material into the culture vessel by moving the first discharge portion in a plurality of axial directions; A step in which the epidermal printing module moves the second discharge portion and suctions the epidermal material from the second storage portion provided on the table and storing the epidermal material; And a step of discharging the epidermal material into the culture container by moving the second discharge portion in a plurality of axial directions by the epidermal printing module, to provide a control method of an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus.

The artificial skin manufacturing apparatus and the control method according to the embodiments of the present invention have the advantage that artificial skin materials can be rapidly introduced into a culture container, and an accurate amount can be introduced to produce artificial skin.

In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to produce a large amount of artificial skin having a uniform quality as a whole.

In addition, there is an advantage that can lower the production cost of artificial skin.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the artificial skin manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1.
Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the dermal printing module of Figure 1;
4 is a side view of the dermal printing module of FIG. 3.
Figure 5 is a partial perspective view showing the bottom of the dermal printing module of Figure 3;
6 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the epidermal printing module of FIG. 1.
7 is a side view of the epidermal printing module of FIG. 6.
8 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the storage unit of FIG. 1.
9 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the washing unit of FIG. 1.
10 is a perspective view schematically showing the culture unit of FIG. 1.
11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In addition, in the description of the present invention, when it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known configurations or functions may obscure the subject matter of the present invention, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the artificial skin manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a configuration of the dermal printing module of FIG. It is a schematic perspective view, FIG. 4 is a side view of the dermis printing module of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view showing the bottom of the dermis printing module of FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the configuration of the epidermal printing module of FIG. 7 is a side view of the epidermal printing module of FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the storage unit of FIG. 1, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the washing unit of FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing the culture unit of FIG. 1.

1 to 10, the artificial skin manufacturing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a table 100 and a culture unit disposed on the table 100 and cultivating artificial skin with artificial skin material The dermis printing module 200 for discharging the dermal material forming the dermal layer of artificial skin to the culture unit 700, and the epidermis discharging the epidermal material forming the epidermal layer of artificial skin to the culture unit 700 Printing module 300 may be included.

In this embodiment, artificial skin is a material in which the dermal layer and the epidermal layer are sequentially stacked, and can be understood as a material capable of functioning as artificial skin. For the manufacture of such artificial skin, the process of culturing the dermal layer and the process of culturing the epidermal layer may be performed, and even if not specifically mentioned in this embodiment, the formation of the dermal layer and the formation of the epidermal layer are only by discharging the dermal layer and the epidermal layer into the culture vessel Alternatively, it may be understood that the culture process is included or that the culture process has been performed.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the dermal material is a material for forming a region capable of functioning as a dermal layer in artificial skin, and for example, it may be cultured after the skin fibroblast and hydrogel solution are mixed. The dermal material may be in the form of a collagen gel, and may have a relatively high viscosity of 30 to 60,000,000 cPs. In addition, in this embodiment, the epidermal material is a material for forming a region capable of functioning as an epidermal layer in artificial skin, and for example, keratinocytes may be cultured. At this time, the skin material may have a relatively low viscosity of 3 to 12 cPs level. The dermal material and the epidermal material may be replaced with an appropriate material depending on the embodiment, or an appropriate material may be added and used.

The table 100 is a configuration that supports the artificial skin manufacturing apparatus 10 as a whole, and may be provided in a flat shape extending in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The table 100 may be provided with a predetermined area so that each component is installed and driven without interference with each other.

In this embodiment, the left-right direction is described in the X-axis direction and the up-down direction in the Y-axis direction based on FIG. 2, and the Z-axis direction is described in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In addition, such a direction setting is only an example, and the direction indicated by each axis direction may be set differently according to an embodiment. In addition, in the present embodiment, it is described as an example that each component is driven based on the Cartesian coordinate system, but the spirit of the present invention is not limited to this, and each component may be driven based on the polar coordinate system. have.

The table 100 may be provided with a culture unit 700 in which a plurality of culture vessels 750 capable of culturing artificial skin are installed. The number of culture vessels 750 installed in the culture unit 700 is not limited to the spirit of the present invention, and in this embodiment, a total of nine culture vessels 750 are arranged in three rows.

The culture unit 700 may include a culture unit support frame 710 capable of supporting a plurality of culture containers 750, and in this embodiment, one culture unit support frame 710 includes three culture containers ( 750) as an example.

The culture unit support frame 710 is provided with a plurality of culture vessel accommodating grooves 720 capable of accommodating the culture vessel 750, and the culture vessel accommodating grooves 720 can control the temperature of the culture vessel 750. Culture vessel temperature control unit 730 may be provided. Since the culture vessel 750 accommodates dermal and epidermal materials containing cells, the culture vessel temperature control unit 730 maintains the temperature of the culture vessel 750 at 37 degrees Celsius or less so that cells are not damaged or killed. I can do it. For example, the culture vessel temperature control unit 730 may be a heater, and may be connected to a control unit and a power source through a terminal 732.

The culture vessel temperature control unit 730 is disposed on the bottom surface of the culture vessel accommodation groove 720 and is not exposed to the outside, but may be disposed to heat the culture vessel 750 as a whole.

The culture vessel 750 may be provided with a plurality of wells 752 capable of culturing artificial skin, and in this embodiment, the well 752 arranged in three rows and two columns is illustrated as an example. In addition, the culture vessel 750 may be provided with a culture vessel cover 760 that blocks outside air for culturing the dermal and epidermal layers.

10 illustrates a state in which the culture vessel 750 is not disposed in the culture unit support frame 710, only the culture vessel 750 is disposed, and a culture vessel cover 760 covers the culture vessel 750, respectively. It is shown as an enemy.

Meanwhile, the table 100 may be provided with a first storage unit 400 for storing dermal materials. The first storage unit 400 may store the dermal material at a predetermined temperature, for example, 4 degrees Celsius or less, so that the dermal material in the form of a gel does not cure.

Specifically, the first storage unit 400 is provided on the first storage unit support frame 410, which is installed on the table 100, the first storage unit support frame 410 to provide a storage space for storing the dermal material A first storage container 430 and a first temperature control unit 420 that maintains the temperature of the first storage container 430 at a preset temperature may be included. In this embodiment, a pair of the first storage container 430 and the first temperature control unit 420 is illustrated as an example, but the idea of the present invention is the first storage container 430 and the first temperature control unit It is not limited to the number of 420.

The first storage container 430 may be provided to be replaceable, and when all the contained dermal materials are exhausted, the user may replace the first storage container 430 to continuously produce artificial skin. At this time, the first temperature control unit 420 may include a protrusion having a predetermined shape so that the first storage container 430 is stably seated and fixed, and the first storage container 430 has a groove corresponding thereto. Can be formed.

For example, the first temperature controller 420 may be a cooling device, and may include a cooling passage therein or an electrically driven cooling element.

In addition, the first storage unit 400 may be provided with a temperature sensor (not shown) for sensing the temperature of the first storage container 430, the control unit (not shown) of the artificial skin manufacturing apparatus 10 is the first The temperature of the first storage container 430 may be maintained within a preset range by controlling the first temperature control unit 420 based on the value detected by the temperature sensor of the storage unit 400.

In this embodiment, it has been described as an example that the dermal material is provided to the first storage unit 400 installed on the table 100, but the spirit of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the dermis material may be provided to the dermis printing module 200 in the form of a cartridge, or may be provided to the dermis printing module 200 through a predetermined flow path from a separate supply means.

In addition, the table 100 may be provided with a second storage unit 500 for storing the skin material. The skin material may be provided in a form stored in a small individual container, and the second storage unit 500 may be provided in a form capable of accommodating a plurality of such individual containers.

In consideration of the fact that the epidermal material contains cells, the second storage unit 500 may also include a temperature control means that allows the epidermal material to be maintained at a preset temperature range, like the first storage unit 400. have. In addition, individual containers provided in the second storage unit 500 may also be provided to be replaceable like the first storage container 430. In addition, the second storage unit 500 may also include a temperature sensor (not shown) that senses the temperature of the epidermal material, and the control unit of the artificial skin manufacturing apparatus 10 is controlled by the temperature sensor of the second storage unit 500. Based on the sensed value, the temperature of the epidermal material can be maintained within a preset range.

In this embodiment, it has been described as an example that the skin material is provided to the second storage unit 500 installed on the table 100, but the spirit of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the epidermal material may be provided to the epidermal printing module 300 in the form of a cartridge, or may be provided to the epidermal printing module 300 through a predetermined flow path from a separate supply means.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the second storage part 500 may contain a special material capable of expressing skin characteristics such as spots, acne, and wrinkles on artificial skin, not on the epidermal material. In this case, the epidermal printing module 300 may apply a special material capable of expressing skin properties after formation of the epidermal layer is completed or simultaneously with formation of the epidermal layer. Further, according to an embodiment, these materials are provided to the first storage unit 400 rather than the second storage unit 500 and may be applied by the dermal printing module 200.

The washing unit 600 is on the table 100 so as to wash and dry the first discharge unit 240 provided in the dermal printing module 200 or the second discharge unit 330 provided in the epidermal printing module 300. Is placed. The washing unit 600 may be operated when it is necessary to clean the first discharge unit 240 or the second discharge unit 330, which has been used, for example, when use is completed, when entering a standby state, or when being replaced with another material. The first discharge part 240 or the second discharge part 330 may be moved to the cleaning part 600 and washed. Specifically, the washing unit 600 may include a washing container 620 and a dryer 630.

The washing container 620 may wash the nozzle portion through which the material is discharged from the first discharge portion 240 or the second discharge portion 330. For example, the first discharge part 240 or the second discharge part 330 repeatedly sucks or discharges the cleaning solution provided in the cleaning container 620, or the cleaning container 620 applies external force such as ultrasonic waves to the cleaning solution. Can be washed. At this time, saline or ethanol may be used as the washing liquid, and one side of the washing container 620 may be provided with a supply nozzle for replacing the washing liquid. The washing container 620 is provided with a washing container cover 622 to prevent the washing solution from leaking to the outside and contaminating the surroundings. A hole through which the nozzle of the first discharge part 240 or the second discharge part 330 may pass may be formed in the washing container cover 622.

The dryer 630 may act on the first discharge portion 240 or the second discharge portion 330 before and after washing by the washing container 620, and dry the remaining material in the nozzle to facilitate washing. It can be made or the cleaning solution dried to clean the nozzle. For example, the dryer 630 may dry the nozzle of the first discharge part 240 or the second discharge part 330 by strongly injecting or sucking air or nitrogen. At this time, the dryer 630 is provided with a dryer cover 632, it is possible to prevent foreign matters from flowing out during the drying process. Like the washing container cover 622, a hole through which the nozzle of the first discharge part 240 or the second discharge part 330 may pass may also be formed in the dryer cover 632.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the first storage unit 400 and the second storage unit 500 and the washing unit 600 are illustrated as being arranged side by side in the X-axis direction as an example. The back can be changed as appropriate.

The dermal printing module 200 is a means for providing the dermal material to the culture vessel 750, a first discharge unit 240 for discharging the dermal material and a first moving unit 240 for moving the X-axis direction 1 X-axis direction driving unit 202, a first Y-axis direction driving unit 204 for moving the first discharge unit 240 in the Y-axis direction, and a first discharge unit 240 for moving the Z-axis direction 1 Z-axis direction driving unit 212, and the first discharge unit 240 is supported and connected to either the first X-axis direction driving unit 202 or the first Y-axis direction driving unit 204, the X-axis direction and Y It may include a first main block 210 provided to be movable in the axial direction.

In this embodiment, the first X-axis direction driving unit 202 is fixed to the driving unit support frame 110 provided in the table 100, and the first Y-axis direction driving unit 204 is the first X-axis direction driving unit 202. For example, it is illustrated that it is fixed to the moving block and moved in the X-axis direction, and the first main block 210 is fixed to the moving block of the first Y-axis direction driving unit 204 and moved in the Y-axis direction. Accordingly, X-axis and Y-axis movements of the first main block 210 and the first discharge unit 240 may be implemented. According to the embodiment, the first Y-axis driving unit 204 is fixed to the driving unit support frame 110, and the first X-axis driving unit 202 is fixed to the moving block of the first Y-axis driving unit 204. , The first main block 210 may be fixed to the moving block of the first X-axis direction driving unit 202.

Here, the first X-axis direction driving unit 202 and the first Y-axis direction driving unit 204 may be a linear motor that moves the moving block in a linear direction, and the first Z-axis direction driving unit 212 is a ball screw and a motor. It can be composed of.

In the first main block 210, a first discharge part fixing block 220 in which the first discharge part 240 is fixed and movable in the Z-axis direction by the first Z-axis driving part 212 may be provided. . The first discharge unit fixing block 220 may be a block disposed on the front surface of the first main block 210 but movable in the vertical direction along the ball screw of the first Z-axis direction driving unit 212, and the first discharge unit It may include a syringe detachable portion 230 that can be fixed detachably 240. A guide protrusion for guiding the movement of the first discharge part fixing block 220 may be formed in the first main block 210, and a groove corresponding to the guide protrusion may be formed in the first discharge part fixing block 220, The discharge part fixing block 220 may be stably moved in the Z-axis direction.

With this configuration, the first discharge part 240 may move in a plurality of directions and discharge the dermal material into the culture vessel 750.

A plurality of first discharge parts 240 may be arranged side by side, and in this embodiment, three are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. At this time, the interval between the first discharge portion 240 corresponds to the spacing of the well 752 of the culture vessel 750, and the three first discharge portions 240 simultaneously apply dermal material to the three wells 752. It is configured to discharge. The number and arrangement of the first discharge portions 240 and the wells 752 do not limit the spirit of the present invention.

The dermal material has a relatively higher viscosity than the epidermal material, and when provided in a gel form as in the present embodiment, a microextrusion type discharge device capable of forming a relatively large pressure is the first discharge part 240 Can be used as For example, a static pressure pump, a syringe, or the like may be used as the first discharge part 240, and in this embodiment, a syringe is used as an example. Accordingly, in the description of the present embodiment, the first discharge portion and the syringe may be understood as concepts corresponding to each other. For example, the first discharge portion 240 may be understood as a syringe, and the first discharge portion fixing block 220 may be understood as a syringe fixing block. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first discharge portion will be described as a syringe.

The syringe detachable part 230 is to fix the syringe 240 to the syringe fixing block 220, and may be provided so that the syringe 240 can be replaced as needed. Specifically, the syringe attachment / detachment part 230 is fixed to the syringe fixing block 220 and includes a first syringe support part 232 having a first syringe insertion groove 232a supporting one side of the syringe 240. ) And a second syringe support 234 that is selectively fixed to the first syringe support 232 and has a second syringe insertion groove 234a corresponding to the first syringe insertion groove 232a. can do.

The syringe 240 may be composed of an outer cylinder 242 and a plunger 244. The first syringe insertion groove 232a and the second syringe insertion groove 234a correspond to the outer shape of the outer cylinder 242. It is formed in a shape, it may be formed to support the outer cylinder 242 so that the outer cylinder 242 does not swing in the vertical direction in the state that the syringe 240 is inserted into the syringe detachable portion 230.

The second syringe support part 234 may be rotatably connected to the first syringe support part 232 by a hinge part 233, and by opening the first syringe insertion groove 232a, the syringe ( 240). At this time, a binding portion 235 that selectively restrains the second syringe support portion 234 to the first syringe support portion 232 may be provided on the opposite side of the hinge portion 233. In this embodiment, the binding portion 235 is illustrated as an example of a buckle-type clamping device.

On the other hand, in order to prevent the syringe 240 from being shaken in a fixed state of the first syringe support unit 232 and the second syringe support unit 234, the syringe pressing unit for pressing and fixing the syringe 240 ( 234b) may be provided on the inner surface of the second syringe insertion groove (234a). For example, the syringe pressing portion 234b may be an elastic material having a predetermined elastic force, and the first syringe supporting portion 232 and the second syringe supporting portion 234 are elastically deformed and coupled to the syringe ( 240) can be pressurized.

In addition, an opening 234c may be formed in the second syringe support 234 so that the user can check the remaining amount of the dermal material from the outside.

According to an embodiment, a drip tray (not shown) may be provided at the bottom of the syringe detachable portion 230. As the dermal material is stored at a relatively low temperature (4 degrees Celsius) relative to room temperature, water droplets may form around the syringe 240 and the syringe attachment / detachment unit 230. When water droplets fall on the culture vessel 750, Since the artificial skin may be contaminated, a drip tray is disposed under the syringe attachment / detachment unit 230 to prevent water droplets from falling into the culture vessel 750. Such a drip tray may be formed in a shape and size corresponding to the bottom of the syringe attachment / detachment part 230, and has a hole through which the nozzle 246 of the syringe 240 can pass, thereby effectively dropping water droplets. It can be configured to prevent. In addition, the drip tray may be provided with an absorbent body such as a sponge capable of absorbing water.

The plunger 244 may be disposed to be exposed and extended to the upper side of the syringe detachable portion 230, and the nozzle 246 of the syringe 240 may be disposed to be exposed to the lower side. Depending on the vertical movement of the plunger 244, dermal material may be sucked or discharged through the nozzle 246 toward the inside of the outer cylinder 242.

The cylinder fixing block 220 may be provided with a plunger pressing block 250 capable of moving the plunger 244 and a plunger pressing block driving unit 222 moving the plunger pressing block 250. The plunger pressurizing block 250 is disposed on the upper side of the syringe 240, and may be fixed to the syringe fixing block 220 so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction. For the vertical movement of the plunger pressing block 250, a guide protrusion is provided to the syringe fixing block 220, and a guide groove corresponding to the guide projection may be formed in the plunger pressing block 250.

The plunger pressurizing block 250 may be formed to simultaneously move a plurality of plungers 244 when a plurality of syringes 240 are provided as in the present embodiment. That is, a plurality of plungers 244 may be fitted into one plunger pressing block 250.

In addition, in this embodiment, the plunger pressing block 250 is inserted through the syringe fixing block 220, and the syringe fixing block 220 has slits that allow movement of the plunger pressing block 250 in the vertical direction. Although formed as an example, the spirit of the present invention is not limited thereto.

On the front surface of the plunger pressurizing block 250, a plunger insertion groove 252 is formed in which the plunger 244 can be inserted in the form of being inserted from the front. Upon replacement of the syringe 240, the user opens the second syringe support 234, and then inserts the outer cylinder 242 into the first syringe insertion groove 232a, and at the same time, the plunger 244 inserts the plunger insertion groove ( A new syringe 240 may be fixed to the syringe attachment / detachment part 230 and the plunger pressurizing block 250 by inserting it into the 252). The user then covers the second syringe support 234, and then uses the binding portion 235 to bind the first syringe support 232 and the second syringe support 234, thereby loading the syringe 240. It can be fixed to the fixing block 220.

The plunger pressurizing block driving part 222 is provided on the upper side of the syringe fixing block 220 to move the plunger pressurizing block 250 in the up and down direction, whereby the syringe fixing block 220 and the plunger pressurizing block 250 ) Relative motion becomes possible. That is, when the outer cylinder 242 is fixed, the plunger 244 can move in the Z-axis direction, and thus suction and discharge of the dermal material becomes possible. In this embodiment, the plunger pressurizing block driving unit 222 is shown as an example having a ball screw and a motor as in the first Z-axis direction driving unit 212, but the spirit of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the syringe fixing block 220 may be provided with a first photographing unit 260 for measuring the discharge state of the dermal material through the syringe 240. The first photographing unit 260 may be arranged in a number and location corresponding to the number and location of the syringes 240. Specifically, the first photographing unit 260 may be a camera installed to photograph the Z-axis downward. That is, the first photographing unit 260 may extend long in the Z-axis direction, and may be a camera provided with a lens at its lower end. Since the first photographing unit 260 and the syringe 240 have a shape extending in the same direction, the overall volume of the dermal printing module 200 can be reduced.

In addition, a first reflector 270 is provided below the first photographing unit 260 to switch the photographing direction of the first photographing unit 260. The first reflecting unit 270 is provided with a light reflecting means such as a mirror, so that the photographing direction by the first photographing unit 260 may be a discharge position of the dermal material by the syringe 240. With this configuration, the first photographing unit 260 can accurately observe the discharge position of the dermal material even though the first photographing unit 260 extends in the same direction as the syringe 240.

Here, the first photographing unit 260 and the first reflecting unit 270 are both fixedly installed in the syringe fixing block 220 and can be moved in the vertical direction together with the syringe fixing block 220. Specifically, the first imaging part fixing part 226 in which the first imaging part 260 is fixedly installed, and the first reflecting part in which the first reflecting part 270 is fixedly installed in the lower part of the syringe fixing block 220 Government 228 may be provided. Accordingly, since the first photographing unit 260 and the first reflecting unit 270 may be moved in the vertical direction together with the syringe 240, the first photographing unit 260 can always photograph an accurate discharge position. In this case, the first reflector 270 may be rotatably installed on the first reflector fixing unit 228 so that the first photographing unit 260 can adjust the location where it is photographed.

On the other hand, the epidermal printing module 300 is a means for providing the epidermal material to the culture vessel 750, the second discharge portion 330 for discharging the epidermal material and the second discharge portion 330 is moved in the X-axis direction The second X-axis direction driving unit 302 and the second Y-axis direction driving unit 304 for moving the second discharge unit 330 in the Y-axis direction, and the second discharge unit 330 moving in the Z-axis direction The second Z-axis direction driving unit 312 and the second discharge unit 330 are supported and connected to either the second X-axis direction driving unit 302 or the second Y-axis direction driving unit 304 in the X-axis direction. And a second main block 310 provided to be movable in the Y-axis direction.

In this embodiment, the second X-axis direction driving unit 302 is fixed to the driving unit support frame 110 provided in the table 100, and the second Y-axis direction driving unit 304 is the second X-axis direction driving unit 302. For example, it is illustrated that it is fixed to the moving block and moved in the X-axis direction, and the second main block 310 is fixed to the moving block of the second Y-axis direction driving unit 304 and moved in the Y-axis direction. Accordingly, X-axis and Y-axis movements of the second main block 310 and the second discharge part 330 may be implemented. According to an embodiment, the second Y-axis direction driving unit 304 is fixed to the driving unit support frame 110, and the second X-axis direction driving unit 302 is fixed to the moving block of the second Y-axis direction driving unit 304. , The second main block 310 may be fixed to the moving block of the first X-axis direction driving unit 202.

Here, the second X-axis direction driving unit 302 and the second Y-axis direction driving unit 304 may be a linear motor that moves the moving block in a linear direction, and the second Z-axis direction driving unit 312 is a ball screw and a motor. It can be composed of.

A second discharge part 330 is fixed to the second main block 310, and a second discharge part fixing block 320 movable in the Z-axis direction by the second Z-axis driving part 312 may be provided. . The second discharge unit fixing block 320 may be a block that is disposed on the front surface of the second main block 310 and is movable up and down along the ball screw of the second Z-axis direction driving unit 312. A guide protrusion for guiding the movement of the second discharge part fixing block 320 may be formed in the second main block 310, and a groove corresponding thereto may be formed in the second discharge part fixing block 320, The discharge block fixing block 320 may be stably moved in the Z-axis direction.

With this configuration, the second discharge unit 330 may move in a plurality of directions and discharge the epidermal material into the culture vessel 750.

A plurality of second discharge parts 330 may be arranged side by side, and in this embodiment, three are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. At this time, the interval between the second discharge portion 330 corresponds to the spacing of the well 752 of the culture vessel 750, and the three second discharge portions 330 simultaneously apply dermal material to the three wells 752. It is configured to discharge. The number and arrangement of the second discharge parts 330 do not limit the spirit of the present invention.

Since the skin material has a relatively lower viscosity than the dermal material, an inkjet-type ejection device may be used as the second ejection part 330. For example, a valve device using heat, a piezoelectric effect, ultrasonic waves, and the like, and a micro valve unit capable of inhaling and discharging fluid by a pressure provided from the outside may be used as the second discharge part 330. To this end, a pump 380 may be provided on the table 100. Pump 380 may be installed on the pump support frame 120 provided on the table 100, for independent control of each second discharge unit 330, the number of the second discharge unit 330 It may be provided in a corresponding number and connected to each second discharge part 330. Accordingly, artificial skin having different characteristics, specifically different epidermal layer characteristics, can be simultaneously generated. In this embodiment, the micro valve unit and the second discharge unit may be understood as concepts corresponding to each other. For example, the second discharge portion 330 may be understood as a micro valve unit, and the second discharge portion fixing block 320 may be understood as a micro valve unit fixing block. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the second discharge portion will be described as a micro valve unit.

In this embodiment, the pump 380 has been described as an example in which the micro-valve unit 330 is disposed independently of the micro valve unit 330 and is fixed to prevent movement. However, according to the embodiment, the pump 380 may include the second main block 310 or It may be provided in the micro-valve unit fixing block 320.

The micro-valve unit 330 is fixed to the micro-valve unit fixing block 320 and is provided to be movable in the Z-axis direction together with the micro-valve unit fixing block 320, a nozzle 332 for inhaling and discharging the epidermal material, It may include a micro-valve 334 for opening and closing the flow path under the control of the control unit, and a pump connection portion 336 connected to the pump 380 to receive pressure to suck and discharge the skin material.

Meanwhile, the micro valve unit fixing block 320 may be provided with a second imaging unit 360 for measuring the discharge state of the skin material through the micro valve unit 330. The second photographing unit 360 may be provided and disposed according to the number and position of the micro valve units 330. Specifically, the second photographing unit 360 may be a camera installed in the horizontal direction with the table 100 on the second main block 310. That is, the second photographing unit 360 may be disposed perpendicular to the extending direction of the micro valve unit 330. A second imaging part fixing part 314 for fixing the second imaging part 360 in the horizontal direction to the table 100 may be provided below the second main block 310.

In the case of the second main block 310, the micro valve unit 330 is adopted, and thus the size and volume of components that are provided relative to the first main block 210 are small, so that the second imaging unit 360 is removed. 2 Even if it is stacked and arranged at the bottom of the main block 310, the effect on the overall volume increase can be minimized.

In addition, the second photographing unit 360 is fixedly installed on the second main block 310, and the microvalve unit 330 is fixedly installed on the microvalve unit fixing block 320, and the microvalve unit fixing block 320 ), The discharge position of the second imaging unit 360 and the micro valve unit 330 is changed according to the position movement in the Z-axis direction, specifically, the relative position of the nozzle 332. In order for the second photographing unit 360 to photograph an accurate state in which the epidermal material is discharged, the micro valve unit fixing block 320 has a second reflecting unit 370 for switching the photographing direction of the second photographing unit 360. Can be provided. Specifically, the second reflecting part 370 is fixed to the micro valve unit fixing block 320 and moved in the Z-axis direction together with the micro valve unit 330, and photographs the second at the discharge position of the micro valve unit 330. A reflection such as a mirror that changes the angle of the light incident on the second imaging unit 360 so that the portion 360 can capture a state in which the epidermal material discharged from the microvalve unit 330 is accommodated in the culture vessel 750. Means can be provided.

To this end, the second reflector 370 may be disposed between the microvalve unit 330 and the microvalve unit fixing block 320, and the microvalve unit fixing block 320 does not interfere with the camera's shooting path. To prevent this, the slit 326 may be disposed to correspond to the positions of the micro valve unit 330 and the second imaging unit 360. That is, when viewed from the front, the micro-valve unit 330, the second reflector 370, the slit 326, and the second photographing unit 360 may be sequentially arranged in a row.

Meanwhile, the artificial skin manufacturing apparatus 10 may further include a temperature sensor 350 capable of measuring the temperature of the culture vessel 750. The control unit of the artificial skin manufacturing apparatus 10 may control the temperature of the culture vessel 750 by controlling the culture vessel temperature control unit 730 according to the detection result of the temperature sensor 350. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 350 is fixed to the micro valve unit fixing block 320 and may be moved in the X axis direction, the Y axis direction, and the Z axis direction together with the micro valve unit 330. Specifically, at one point of the micro valve unit fixing block 320, the temperature sensor connection bracket 322 bent so as to be able to position the temperature sensor 350 in front of the micro valve unit 330 may be fixed, and the temperature The sensor 350 may be fixed to the temperature sensor connection bracket 322.

Accordingly, the control unit of the artificial skin manufacturing apparatus 10 may move the micro-valve unit fixing block 320 so that the temperature sensor 350 measures the temperature of each culture vessel 750. In this case, there is an advantage that all the temperatures of the plurality of culture vessels 750 can be measured by a single sensor.

Depending on the embodiment, the temperature sensor 350 may be provided on the syringe fixing block 220. That is, the temperature sensor 350 is disposed adjacent to the syringe 240 or the micro valve unit 330 and can move together with the syringe 240 or the micro valve unit 330, whereby a plurality of sensors can be used. It may be provided to collect all the temperature information of the dog culture vessel 750.

In addition, the temperature sensor 350 may be disposed in each of the culture vessel receiving grooves 720 as needed to collect the temperature of each of the culture vessel receiving grooves 720 and the culture vessel 750.

On the other hand, the above-mentioned components provided on the table 100 and its upper side may be sealed by being surrounded by a housing (not shown). The housing may be provided with a door to allow access to the internal components and the culture unit 700, and during the artificial skin culture process, the housing may maintain a closed state. At this time, the housing may be provided with a filter, a light source, and the like for preventing contamination of artificial skin and shortening the culture time of the artificial skin. For example, a HEPA filter, a UV lamp, and the like may be installed on the ceiling surface of the housing.

In addition, the artificial skin manufacturing apparatus 10 may receive a predetermined command and data from a user, and may include a user interface (not shown) capable of providing predetermined information to the user. For example, the user interface may include a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, display device, speaker, lamp, and the like. The information collected by the above-described first photographing unit 260, the temperature sensor 350, the second photographing unit 360, or the control state of each component may be provided to an external user through a user interface. , The user can monitor the normal operation of the device through the user interface.

Hereinafter, the operation and effects of the artificial skin manufacturing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the drawings.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, the artificial skin manufacturing apparatus 10 forms a dermal layer in the culture vessel 750 provided in the culture unit 700 using the dermal printing module 200 and epidermis in the culture vessel 750 in which the dermal layer is formed. Artificial skin may be manufactured by forming an epidermal layer using the printing module 300.

Specifically, the first storage part 400 in which the dermal material is accommodated and the second storage part 500 in which the epidermal material is accommodated may be set in the table 100. At this time, the first storage container 430 containing the dermal material may be maintained at a temperature of 4 degrees Celsius or less by the first temperature control unit 420 to prevent hardening of the dermal material.

The control unit may measure the temperature of a plurality of culture vessels 750 provided to the culture unit 700 prior to formation of the dermal layer (S100). The culture vessel 750 needs to maintain an appropriate temperature range so that the cells are well activated and not damaged at the same time, and the hardening of the dermal layer is promoted. For example, the control unit controls the culture vessel temperature control unit 730 to culture. The container 750 can be maintained at a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius or less. At this time, since the curing of the dermal layer may be delayed when the temperature of the culture vessel 750 is lowered, the culture vessel temperature control unit 730 may maintain the culture vessel 750 at a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius or higher.

Meanwhile, the control unit may continuously maintain the culture vessel 750 within the above temperature range even after the dermal layer is formed. As a result, the cells contained in the epidermal material can be stably activated and hardened.

The measurement of the temperature may be performed by the temperature sensor 350 provided in the epidermal printing module 300. Specifically, since the temperature sensor 350 is fixed to the micro valve unit fixing block 320, the second X-axis direction driving unit 302, the second Y-axis direction driving unit 304, and the second Z-axis direction driving unit ( It can be moved in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction by the action of 312, changing the position, the temperature of the culture vessel 750 in a non-contact manner on the upper side of each culture vessel 750 Can be measured.

When the result measured by the temperature sensor 350 is outside the preset temperature range (S200), the control unit controls the culture vessel temperature control unit 730 corresponding to the culture vessel 750 to culture the culture vessel 750 The temperature of the can be adjusted (S210). For example, the control unit may drive the heater when the temperature of the culture vessel 750 is lower than a preset range, and when the temperature of the culture vessel 750 is higher than the preset range, the heater is stopped to cause the culture vessel 750 to be in the surrounding atmosphere. Can be cooled.

When the temperature of the culture vessel 750 satisfies a preset temperature range, the control unit includes a first X-axis direction driving unit 202, a first Y-axis direction driving unit 204, and a first Z-axis direction driving unit 212. By controlling the syringe 240 of the dermal printing module 200 to move to the upper side of the first storage unit 400, the dermal material is sucked from the first storage unit 400 (S300). Specifically, when the syringe 240 is disposed on the upper side of the first storage unit 400, the control unit drives the first Z-axis direction driving unit 212 to open the syringe fixing block 220 and the syringe 240. Move down the Z axis. The control unit may move the syringe 240 to a predetermined position where the nozzle of the syringe 240 can suck the dermal material contained in the storage space of the first storage container 430, and the syringe 240 When the predetermined position is reached, the plunger pressurization block driving unit 222 is controlled to move the plunger pressurization block 250 upwards in the Z axis. Thereby, the plunger 244 is pulled upward, and a negative pressure is formed inside the outer cylinder 242 so that the dermal material is sucked into the inner space of the outer cylinder 242. The control unit may stop the syringe 240 after moving the plunger pressurizing block 250 so that the dermal material can be accommodated by a predetermined amount.

Subsequently, the control unit controls the first X-axis direction driving unit 202, the first Y-axis direction driving unit 204, and the first Z-axis direction driving unit 212 to control the syringe 240 above each culture vessel 750. Discharging the dermal material while moving to (S400). Specifically, when the suction of the dermal material is completed, the control unit controls the first Z-axis direction driving unit 212 to allow the syringe 240 to move without interfering with other components, and the syringe fixing block 220 and The syringe 240 is moved above the Z axis. In addition, the control unit controls the first X-axis direction driving unit 202 and the first Y-axis direction driving unit 204 to move the syringe 240 to the upper side of the preset culture vessel 750. The control unit may control the first Z-axis direction driving unit 212 to move the syringe 240 below the Z-axis, and after the movement, the height of the syringe 240 is the nozzle of the syringe 240, the well 752 It can be set to stably discharge the dermal material to the inside of the.

When the movement of the syringe 240 in the Z-axis direction is completed, the control unit controls the plunger pressurizing block driving unit 222 to move the plunger pressurizing block 250 down the Z-axis by a preset displacement. Thereby, the plunger 244 pushes the dermal material sucked inside the outer cylinder 242, and the dermal material can be discharged to the inside of the well 752 through the nozzle of the syringe 240.

When the predetermined amount of dermal material is discharged, the control unit stops the downward movement of the plunger pressurizing block 250 and controls the first Z-axis direction driving unit 212 to fix the syringe block 220 and the syringe 240. The first X-axis direction driving unit 202 and the first Y-axis direction driving unit 204 may be controlled so as to move upward and then discharge the dermal material to the set culture vessel 750.

The control unit may repeat the above process to discharge the dermal material to the plurality of culture vessels 750.

Meanwhile, along with the movement of the syringe 240, the first photographing unit 260 and the first reflecting unit 270 fixed to the syringe fixing block 220 may also be moved. Accordingly, the first photographing unit 260 can always accurately photograph the discharge state of the syringe 240, and the information collected by the first photographing unit 260 is transmitted to the control unit or output to the user interface, or predetermined It can be utilized in the control operation of.

When the discharge of the dermal material to the culture vessel 750 is completed, the dermal material may be cultured for a predetermined time in the culture vessel 750 (S500). The culture time of the dermal layer may be set from several seconds to several hours, and the syringe 240 may be positioned at a predetermined waiting position during the culture process. Depending on the embodiment, during the culture process, the syringe 240 may be moved to the washing unit 600, and may be washed and dried.

While the dermal layer is cultured, the temperature of the culture vessel 750 may be maintained at a preset temperature range by the culture vessel temperature control unit 730. To this end, the control unit moves the temperature sensor 350 at predetermined time intervals The temperature of the culture vessel 750 may be measured, and steps S100 to S210 described above may be repeatedly performed.

At this time, the culture vessel 750 is provided with a culture vessel cover 760 to allow the culture of the dermal layer to be achieved in a state that minimizes the possibility of contamination by foreign substances.

When the targeted dermal layer is cultured, the control unit controls the second X-axis direction driving unit 302, the second Y-axis direction driving unit 304, and the second Z-axis direction driving unit 312 to control the epidermal printing module 300. The micro-valve unit 330 of the second storage unit 500 is moved upwardly to suck the epidermal material from the second storage unit 500 (S600). Specifically, when the micro valve unit 330 is disposed on the upper side of the second storage unit 500 under the control of the second X-axis direction driving unit 302 and the second Y-axis direction driving unit 304, the control unit controls the second The Z-axis direction driving unit 312 is driven to move the micro valve unit fixing block 320 and the micro valve unit 330 below the Z axis. The control unit may move the micro-valve unit 330 to a predetermined position where the nozzle of the micro-valve unit 330 can suck the epidermal material accommodated in the storage space of the second storage unit 500 or the storage container, and the micro When the valve unit 330 reaches a predetermined position, the pump 380 and the micro valve 334 may be controlled to suck the epidermal material.

When suction of the set skin material is completed, the control unit controls the second X-axis direction driving unit 302, the second Y-axis direction driving unit 304, and the second Z-axis direction driving unit 312 to control the micro valve unit 330. It moves to the upper side of each culture vessel 750 to discharge the epidermal material (S700). Specifically, when the suction of the skin material is completed, the control unit controls the second Z-axis direction driving unit 312 so that the micro-valve unit 330 can be moved without interfering with other components. ) And the micro valve unit 330 are moved upward on the Z axis. In addition, the control unit controls the second X-axis direction driving unit 302 and the second Y-axis direction driving unit 304 to move the micro valve unit 330 to the upper side of the preset culture vessel 750. The control unit may control the second Z-axis direction driving unit 312 to move the micro-valve unit 330 down the Z-axis, and after the movement, the height of the micro-valve unit 330 may be the nozzle of the micro-valve unit 330. It can be set to stably discharge the dermal material inside the 752.

When the movement of the micro-valve unit 330 in the Z-axis direction is completed, the control unit may control the pump 380 and the micro-valve 334 to discharge the inhaled skin material. When the predetermined amount of the epidermal material is discharged, the control unit provides positive pressure through the pump 380 and ends the flow path opening through the control of the micro valve 334, and controls the second Z-axis direction driving unit 312 to control the micro After moving the valve unit fixing block 320 and the micro valve unit 330 upward, the second X-axis direction driving unit 302 and the second Y are allowed to discharge the epidermal material to the next set culture vessel 750. The axial drive unit 304 can be controlled.

The control unit may repeat the above process to discharge the epidermal material to the plurality of culture vessels 750.

Meanwhile, when the micro valve unit 330 is moved, the second photographing unit 360 is fixed to the second main block 310 and the second reflecting unit 370 is fixed to the micro valve unit fixing block 320. It can be moved together with the micro valve unit 330. In addition, the slit 326 is formed in the micro valve unit fixing block 320 so that when the micro valve unit 330 is positioned at the discharge position, the second reflecting unit 370 is placed on the imaging path of the second imaging unit 360. It can be positioned to always accurately photograph the discharge state of the micro valve unit 330. The information collected by the second photographing unit 360 may be transmitted to the control unit and output to the user interface or used for a predetermined control operation.

When the discharge of the epidermal material to the culture vessel 750 is completed, the epidermal material may be cultured in the culture vessel 750 for a predetermined time (S800). The culture time of the epidermal layer may be set to several seconds to several hours, and the micro valve unit 330 may be positioned at a predetermined standby position during the culture process. According to an embodiment, the micro valve unit 330 may be moved to the washing unit 600 during the cultivation process, and washed and dried.

While the epidermal layer is cultured, the temperature of the culture vessel 750 may be maintained within a preset temperature range by the culture vessel temperature control unit 730, and for this, the control unit moves the temperature sensor 350 at predetermined time intervals. The temperature of the culture vessel 750 may be measured, and steps S100 to S210 described above may be repeatedly performed.

At this time, the culture vessel 750 is provided with a culture vessel cover 760 to allow the culture of the epidermal layer to be achieved in a state where the possibility of contamination by foreign objects is minimized.

On the other hand, depending on the embodiment, the first storage unit 400 or the second storage unit 500 may be provided with a special material for expressing skin characteristics on artificial skin, the dermal printing module 200, the epidermal printing module ( 300) may be controlled to inhale and discharge such a special material at the same time as the completion or incubation of the dermal layer or epidermal layer. In addition, the process of applying such a special material can also be observed by the first photographing unit 260 and the second photographing unit 360.

Thereby, a predetermined amount of the dermal material and the epidermal material that are accurately set in each culture container 750 can be discharged at substantially the same quality, thereby forming artificial skin having the dermal and epidermal layers having substantially the same characteristics. Can be.

In addition, a plurality of syringes 240 and micro valve units 330 are provided in one syringe fixing block 220 and the micro valve unit fixing block 320, and the wells of the culture vessel 750 are provided to correspond thereto. Since 752) is arranged, it is possible to form the dermal layer and the epidermal layer of a plurality of artificial skins by a single ejection operation, thereby improving the overall production speed of artificial skin.

Thereby, uniform quality and low production cost of artificial skin can be achieved.

The artificial skin manufacturing apparatus and its control method according to an embodiment of the present invention have been described above as specific embodiments, but this is only an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and the widest range according to the basic idea disclosed herein It should be interpreted as having. Those skilled in the art may combine and replace the disclosed embodiments to implement patterns in a shape that is not timely, but this is also within the scope of the present invention. In addition, those skilled in the art can easily change or modify the disclosed embodiments based on the present specification, and it is obvious that such changes or modifications fall within the scope of the present invention.

10: artificial skin manufacturing apparatus 100: table
110: drive unit support frame 120: pump support frame
200: dermal printing module 202: first X-axis driving unit
204: first Y-axis driving unit 210: first main block
212: first Z-axis direction driving unit 220: syringe fixing block
222: plunger pressurizing block driving unit 226: first photographing unit fixing unit
228: first reflecting part fixing part 230: syringe attachment and detachment part
232: first syringe support portion 233: hinge portion
234: second syringe support 235: binding portion
240: syringe 242: single cylinder
244: plunger 250: plunger pressure block
252: plunger insertion groove 260: first filming unit
270: first reflecting portion 300: skin printing module
302: 2nd X-axis drive part 304: 2nd Y-axis drive part
310: second main block 312: second Z-axis direction driving unit
314: second imaging unit fixing unit 320: micro valve unit fixing block
330: micro valve unit 332: nozzle
334: micro valve 336: pump connection
350: temperature sensor 360: second shooting unit
370: second reflector 380: pump
400: first storage unit 410: first storage unit support frame
420: first temperature control unit 430: first storage container
500: second storage unit 600: washing unit
610: washing unit support frame 620: washing container
622: washing container cover 630: dryer
632: dryer cover 700: culture unit
710: culture unit support frame 720: culture vessel receiving groove
730: culture vessel temperature control unit 732: terminal
750: culture vessel 752: well
760: culture vessel cover

Claims (20)

A table provided in a flat shape extending in the X-axis and Y-axis directions;
A culture unit disposed on the table and provided with a plurality of culture containers capable of culturing artificial skin;
A dermal printing module that discharges a dermal material forming a dermal layer of artificial skin into a plurality of the culture vessels; And
Artificial skin manufacturing apparatus comprising an epidermal printing module for discharging an epidermal material forming an epidermal layer of artificial skin in a plurality of the culture vessel in which the dermal layer is formed. According to claim 1,
The dermal printing module,
A first discharge portion for discharging the dermal material;
A first X-axis direction driving unit for moving the first discharge unit in the X-axis direction;
A first Y-axis driving unit for moving the first discharge unit in the Y-axis direction;
A first Z-axis driving unit for moving the first discharge unit in the Z-axis direction; And
An artificial skin manufacturing apparatus comprising a first main block supporting the first discharge portion and connected to any one of the first X-axis direction driving unit or the first Y-axis direction driving unit and moving in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. . According to claim 2,
Any one of the first X-axis driving part and the first Y-axis driving part is fixed to the driving part support frame provided in the table,
The other of the first X-axis direction driving unit and the first Y-axis direction driving unit is fixed to any one fixed to the driving unit support frame,
The first Z-axis driving unit is an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus provided in the first main block. According to claim 2,
The first discharge portion is at least one syringe,
The syringe is fixed to the first main block, and a syringe fixing block movable in the Z-axis direction by the first Z-axis driving unit is provided,
The syringe fixing block is provided with a syringe attachment and detachment part capable of detachably fixing the syringe,
The syringe fixing block is provided with a plunger pressing block capable of moving the plunger of the syringe and a plunger pressing block driving unit for moving the plunger pressing block. According to claim 4,
The syringe detachable portion,
A first syringe support unit fixed to the syringe fixing block and having a first syringe insertion groove supporting one side of the syringe; And
And a second syringe support portion selectively fixed to the first syringe support portion and having a second syringe insertion groove corresponding to the first syringe insertion groove,
The plunger is an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus which is extended to the outside while the syringe is fixed to the syringe detachable portion and is connected to the plunger pressing block. The method of claim 5,
The second syringe support is rotatably provided by a hinge provided on one side of the first syringe support,
A device for manufacturing an artificial skin in which the second syringe supporting part opens the first syringe insertion groove, and the syringe can be simultaneously coupled to or separated from the first syringe insertion groove and the plunger pressing block. According to claim 2,
The dermal printing module is an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus including a first photographing unit for measuring a discharge state of the dermal material discharged from the first discharge unit. The method of claim 7,
The dermal printing module includes a first discharge part fixing block that is movable in the Z-axis direction by the first Z-axis direction driving part and fixes the first discharge part,
The first photographing unit is fixed to the first ejection unit fixing block and the artificial skin manufacturing apparatus is moved in the Z-axis direction with the first ejection unit. The method of claim 8,
The first photographing unit is a camera installed toward the Z-axis downward,
The first discharge portion fixing block is provided with a first reflecting portion for changing the photographing direction of the camera,
The first reflector is an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus having an angle at which the camera can photograph a state in which the dermal material discharged from the first discharge part is accommodated in the culture container. According to claim 1,
The epidermal printing module,
A second discharge portion for discharging the skin material;
A second X-axis direction driving unit for moving the second discharge unit in the X-axis direction;
A second Y-axis driving unit for moving the second discharge unit in the Y-axis direction;
A second Z-axis driving unit for moving the second discharge unit in the Z-axis direction; And
Artificial that includes a second main block supporting the second discharge portion and connected to any one of the second X-axis direction driving unit or the second Y-axis direction driving unit and provided to be movable in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Skin manufacturing device. The method of claim 10,
Any one of the second X-axis direction driving unit and the second Y-axis direction driving unit is fixed to the driving unit support frame provided on the table,
The other one of the second X-axis direction driving unit and the second Y-axis direction driving unit is fixed to the one fixed to the driving unit support frame,
The second Z-axis driving unit is an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus provided in the second main block. The method of claim 10,
The second discharge portion is at least one micro-valve unit,
The micro valve unit is fixed to the second main block, and a micro valve unit fixing block movable in the Z axis direction is provided by the second Z axis direction driving unit,
The micro-valve unit is connected to a pump fixed to a pump support frame provided on the table, and artificial skin manufacturing apparatus receiving pressure to inhale and discharge the epidermal material. The method of claim 10,
The epidermal printing module is an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus including a second photographing unit for measuring a discharge state of the epidermal material discharged from the second discharge unit. The method of claim 13,
The second photographing unit is a camera installed in a horizontal direction with the table on a second main block,
The epidermal printing module,
A second discharge part fixing block movable in the Z-axis direction by the second Z-axis direction driving part and fixing the second discharge part; And
The epidermal material is fixed to the second discharge portion fixing block, is moved in the Z-axis direction together with the second discharge portion, and the epidermal material from which the camera is discharged from the second discharge portion at the discharge location of the second discharge portion is in the culture vessel. Artificial skin manufacturing apparatus including a second reflector for converting the angle of the light incident on the camera so as to take a picture that is accommodated in. According to claim 1,
A temperature sensor capable of measuring the temperature of the culture vessel; And
Artificial skin manufacturing apparatus further comprising a culture vessel temperature control unit capable of adjusting the temperature of the culture vessel according to the detection result of the temperature sensor. The method of claim 15,
The dermal printing module includes a first discharge portion that can move in a plurality of directions to discharge the dermal material to the plurality of culture vessels,
The epidermal printing module includes a second discharge part that can move in a plurality of directions to discharge the epidermal material to the plurality of culture vessels,
The temperature sensor is an artificial skin manufacturing apparatus which is a non-contact temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the first discharge portion or the second discharge portion and movable with the first discharge portion or the second discharge portion. According to claim 1,
It is disposed on the table, and further comprising a first storage unit for storing the dermal material,
The first storage unit,
A first storage container providing a storage space in which the dermal material is stored; And
Artificial skin manufacturing apparatus comprising a first temperature control unit for maintaining the temperature of the first storage container below a predetermined temperature. According to claim 1,
The artificial skin manufacturing apparatus further comprising a second storage part disposed on the table and capable of storing the epidermal material. According to claim 1,
An artificial skin manufacturing apparatus disposed on the table, and further comprising a washing unit capable of washing and drying the first ejection unit for ejecting the dermal material or the second ejection unit for ejecting the dermal material. In the control method of the artificial skin manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
Measuring the temperature of the culture vessel for culturing the artificial skin provided on the table;
When the temperature of the culture vessel is within a preset temperature range, the dermal printing module suctions the dermal material from the first storage unit provided to the table by moving the first discharge unit and storing the dermal material below a predetermined temperature. ;
The dermal printing module discharging the dermal material into the culture vessel by moving the first discharge portion in a plurality of axial directions;
A step in which the epidermal printing module moves the second discharge portion and suctions the epidermal material from the second storage portion provided on the table and storing the epidermal material; And
And controlling the artificial skin manufacturing apparatus by discharging the epidermal material into the culture container by moving the second discharge part in a plurality of axial directions.

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