The group utilizes the unique and robust material properties of silk to produce a variety of scaffolds and medical devices. Kaplan researchers exploit unique silk manufacturing techniques such as thermopressing, 3D printing, and molding to create a variety of constructs with tailorable properties. With the lab’s patented thermopressing techniques, silk is compacted mechanically robust crystalline structures that can be utilized for novel orthopedic applications, such as bone screws and plates. Silk fibroin bioinks are also used in 3D printing with various printing baths to create tissue scaffolds and medical devices. Recently, FRESH™ 3D printing technology has been incorporated into silk 3D printing research to bioprint advanced and complex structures.

In support of the lab’s 3D printing efforts, in-house mechanisms and custom 3D printers are also developed and utilized for the Kaplan Lab’s research. These machines, named the Pattenator, after the inventor and a student of the Kaplan Lab, are used throughout the lab to print a plethora of materials, including, but not limited to, silk, alginate, chitosan, fibrinogen, and dental ceramics.

The Kaplan Lab researchers also collaborate with practitioners at surrounding hospitals such as Tufts Med, MGH, MEEI, and Beth Israel to develop cutting edge medical technologies. Often students are given the opportunity to utilize their research skills with real world application to tackle today’s medical issues.