Innovation

The project brings multiple technological breakthroughs. It will introduce bio-inspired binders with enhanced adhesion and biocompatibility for BJT, and create novel chitosan-based polymers for high-resolution 2PP printing. AI will play a central role via the Digital Biosphere Platform, which applies machine learning to optimise AM parameters.

Both study cases below, serve not only as technical validations but also as showcases for potential commercial applications and routes to market exploitation.

• One key case involves the fabrication of organoid scaffolds using 2PP with photo-curable chitosan-based biopolymers. These structures are intended to mimic natural extracellular matrices and support advanced cell culture applications, offering potential breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and personalised therapies. The case will showcase not only the material performance and print resolution, but also the advantages of using AI-powered process optimisation through the Digital Biosphere Platform developed within the project.
• Another study case will focus on the BJT process, employing chitin nanocrystal-based binders for producing structural and functional parts with complex geometries. This case will assess the mechanical properties, environmental performance, and scalability of bio-based printing processes in comparison to traditional AM approaches. The demonstration will highlight how BUTTERFLIES’ innovations can be transferred beyond the biomedical field, enabling more sustainable, circular solutions for sectors such as packaging, consumer products, and customised industrial components.