Future Links CW 17 – Green Printing Edition

Apple Waste Used as 3D Matrices to Regenerate Bone and Cartilage Tissues

Spanish researchers from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid have developed a biocompatible material made from apple waste. They were supported by the Instituto de Ciencia de Materials and Institute of Catalysis and Petrochemistry. For the creation of the required apple pomace they extracted bioactive molecules. Offering ideal porosity and texture this biomaterial is extremely useful for tissue engineering applications. After removing antioxidant and pectin, the remaining materials can be structured to prompt growth in different cell types. The next step is now to focus on developing a 3D printing technique to customize the structure of the apple-based biomaterial.

More at All 3D Printing

Ukrainian Firm Creates a Self-Sufficient Luxury 3D-Printed Home

The solar-powered houses from Kiev based PassivDom are made of carbon fiber and fiberglass, so that the entire building is fully recyclable. PassivDom uses industrial 3D printing to manufacture the properties. Because of the high tech materials the modular homes are able to adapt to every environment. Furthermore, their houses are completely self-sufficient. From solar panels on the roof to a filter which converts humidity in the air into drinkable water: The construction comes with many features allowing the owners to live autarkic.

More at Daily Mail

National Institute of Health Invests $6,25 in the New Center for Engineering Complex Tissues

The Rice University, the University of Maryland, Wake Forest University and the National Institute of Health are working together to establish the Center for Engineering Complex Tissues (CECT). Their cooperation aims to develop new tissue engineering technologies for five medicine based on 3D printing and bioprinting. Thanks to a “two-way transfer of science” anyone has the opportunity to work at CECT, so that the scientists will benefit from other researchers and their knowledge from projects in the fields of 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering.

More at 3ders.org

HP Latex Inks and Their Environmental Benefits

HP offers a wide range of latex inks that are water-based, meaning the main vehicle is water instead of solvent. There are not any hazardous components in the quantities HP uses in the ink or to print. When it comes to their Latex 300/500 series, HP has certified it to meet the latest standards of the Energy Star & EPEAT Bronze. Furthermore, HP Latex printers do not emit any hazardous VOCs. Additionally, the temperature, the emitted water vaper and the non-hazardous VOCs are maintained within pleasant comfort levels.

More at Big Systems

Sustainable Printing and Quality Are Not Mutually Exclusive

The UK based SAXOPRINT provides offset printing and relies on carbon offsetting, recycling and vegetable based inks, all from renewable sources. Their collective printing approach makes paper consumption more efficient and reduces the company’s greenhouse gas emissions. By collecting and distributing all of the print orders in a resource-saving way, they reduce the CO2 emissions arising in media production. To protect the environment and also the staff working on the printing machines, they dispense the printing ink by using the alcohol Isopropanol.

More at Business Green