Nanoscale 3D Printing of Multifunctional Natural and Nature-Inspired Materials for Defense Applications
Abstract
The PI s at Florida AandM University (FAMU) are exploring multiscale natural and nature-inspired processes, structures, and performance measures that will lead to significant achievements in manufacturing with an aim of developing novel materials for the U.S. Air Force, Space Force, and Department of Defense (DoD). Funds are requested to acquire a nanoscale resolution laser lithography 3D bioprinter (Quantum X bio, Nanoscribe) to process functional living and non-living natural materials of interest to the DoD, including extremophile-based functional materials, bio-hybrid nanomotors and microrobots, prokaryote-based photonic materials, nanocomposites with tailored optical, electronic, and magnetic properties for a wide range of defense applications. The proposed equipment provides a unique platform to rapidly print complex architectures with sub-micrometer resolution, while maintaining cell viability. Photoactive resins and composites for printing will be developed in-house and in collaboration with AFRL researchers. The lithography-based printing system will enhance the quality of current DoD funded research among the investigators and will play a key role in the education of undergraduate and graduate students from historically underrepresented groups. The PI s will host and feature the printer as part of educational outreach at FAMU, the Challenger Learning Center, and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, Florida. FAMU is one of the largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU s) in America, and is the only HBCU, out of 107 institutions, to offer BSc, MSc, and PhD programs in Chemical, Biomedical, and Industrial engineering. The proposed equipment will be the first of its kind in the United States and will give the investigators unprecedented control and accuracy in fabricating living functional materials at the nanometer scale. The requested system interfaces well with existing synthesis and characterization facilities in Tallahassee (National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, High Performance Materials Institute, etc.) and will bring together scientists and engineers with common interests and will greatly enhance their ability to procure future funding from both federal and private sources.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310662
Entities
People
- Jamel Ali
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Florida A&M University
- United States Air Force