3D necroprinting: Leveraging biotic material as the nozzle for 3D printing

AbstractNature has long inspired engineering innovations. Recent advances in biohybrid research have taken this inspiration further by directly integrating biotic materials into engineered systems. Here we report “3D necroprinting,” a biohybrid manufacturing technique that repurposes female mosquito proboscides as high-resolution 3D printing nozzles. The mosquito proboscis, with its unique geometry, structure, and mechanics, enables printed line widths as fine as 20 μm, surpassing commercially available 36-gauge dispense tips by ~100%. The mosquito proboscis dispense tip can withstand internal pressures of approximately 60 kPa, enabling effective fluid extrusion. Demonstrated applications include high-resolution printing of complex structures such as a honeycomb structure, a maple leaf, and bioscaffolds encapsulating cancer cells and red blood cells, showcasing the versatility and capacity of 3D necroprinting. By introducing biotic materials as viable substitutes to complex engineered components, this work paves the way for sustainable and innovative solutions in advanced manufacturing and microengineering. SIGN UP FOR THE AWARD-WINNING SCIENCEADVISER NEWSLETTER The latest news, commentary, and research, free to your inbox daily INTRODUCTIONNature is an unparalleled source of inspiration for engineering, from early human tools fashioned from stones to modern bioinspired technologies (1). Biomimetic approaches have led to transformative technologies such as self-cleaning surfaces inspired by lotus leaves (2), eddy flaps modeled after bird feathers (3), and Velcro’s hook-and-loop system derived from burdock burrs (4). Beyond imitation, humans also directly harness natural materials, from animal furs and leathers used in textiles (5), to wood in building and toolmaking (6). These technologies, involving nonliving biological materials (biotic materials), have influenced human history and technological development.Recent advances in biohybrid engineering have pushed this paradigm further, seamlessly integrating biotic materials into engineered systems. Innovations in this field include soft biohybrid robotic systems, capable of sensing, healing, and adapting autonomously (7–9). For instance, researchers have used biological tissues such as rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (10), mud eel corpses (11), Madagascar hissing cockroaches (12), and beetle legs (13) to create biohybrid devices. A notable example is biohybrid pneumatic microgrippers called necrobotics, composed of the legs of deceased spiders (14).