title: 3D printing of preclinical X-ray computed tomographic data sets.
abstract: Three-dimensional printing allows for the production of highly detailed objects through a process known as additive manufacturing. Traditional, mold-injection methods to create models or parts have several limitations, the most important of which is a difficulty in making highly complex products in a timely, cost-effective manner.(1) However, gradual improvements in three-dimensional printing technology have resulted in both high-end and economy instruments that are now available for the facile production of customized models.(2) These printers have the ability to extrude high-resolution objects with enough detail to accurately represent in vivo images generated from a preclinical X-ray CT scanner. With proper data collection, surface rendering, and stereolithographic editing, it is now possible and inexpensive to rapidly produce detailed skeletal and soft tissue structures from X-ray CT data. Even in the early stages of development, the anatomical models produced by three-dimensional printing appeal to both educators and researchers who can utilize the technology to improve visualization proficiency. (3, 4) The real benefits of this method result from the tangible experience a researcher can have with data that cannot be adequately conveyed through a computer screen. The translation of pre-clinical 3D data to a physical object that is an exact copy of the test subject is a powerful tool for visualization and communication, especially for relating imaging research to students, or those in other fields. Here, we provide a detailed method for printing plastic models of bone and organ structures derived from X-ray CT scans utilizing an Albira X-ray CT system in conjunction with PMOD, ImageJ, Meshlab, Netfabb, and ReplicatorG software packages.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame.
authors.forename: Evan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Doney
authors.forename: Lauren A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Krumdick
authors.forename: Justin M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Diener
authors.forename: Connor A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Wathen
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stamile
authors.forename: Jeremiah E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Ravosa
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Van Avermaete
authors.forename: W Matthew
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Leevy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D011327:Printing / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011817:Rabbits; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012863:Skeleton; D012886:Skull / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012984:Software; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
references.citation: Adv Health Sci Educ Theory Pract. 2007 Nov;12(4):491-507
references.pmid: 16847728
references.citation: J Anat. 2007 Jun;210(6):761-6
references.pmid: 17504271
references.citation: Nat Chem. 2012 Apr 15;4(5):349-54
references.pmid: 22522253
references.citation: Organogenesis. 2012 Jan-Mar;8(1):22-7
references.pmid: 22652907