Computational design methods for biomechanics and 3D printing

Engineering design methods guide the development of products from scientific principles. Computational-based design approaches are essential for healthcare since biomechanical complexity often makes product development challenging. Here, computational-based design methods were developed for motor protein nanotechnologies and 3D printed tissue scaffolds.  Agent-based simulations for modeling motor protein systems were validated with wet-lab experiments.  The simulations demonstrated that complex nonlinear behavior emerges when contrasting biomotors are combined heterogeneously, which may be exploited for designing high performance nanotechnologies.  An automated system was developed for scientific data analysis, biophysical modeling, and nanotechnology development that finds optimized motor protein libraries for product configuration.  Hierarchical tissue scaffold structures for bone fusion treatments were generated with parametric design approaches and fabricated with 3D printing processes.  Finite element methods were used to assess the structures to determine their potential mechanical and biological performance. Developed design methods provide a basis for continued nanotechnology and tissue scaffold development while also fostering new biomechanical applications, including automated nanomedicine design and 3D printed foods for personalized nutrition.
 
Bio: Dr. Paul Egan is an ETH Zurich postdoctoral fellow, and pursues engineering design research with an emphasis on complex multi-level products and biomechanical applications. Paul’s research foundations began as an undergraduate at Oklahoma State University, where he earned a National Goldwater Scholarship and majored in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, and Philosophy. While earning his doctorate in Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, Paul was awarded a National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship. Paul is an author on nine archival publications and twelve peer-reviewed conferences papers, and has received two conference best paper awards.