In this work, we developed a numerical approach based on an experimental platform to determine the working conditions on a cryoplatform and to predict and evaluate the cryogenic printing of hydrogels. Although hydrogels have good biocompatibility, their material properties make it difficult to print them with high precision and shape fidelity. To overcome these problems, a cryogenic cooling platform was introduced to accelerate the physical stabilisation of each deposited layer during the printing process. By precisely controlling solidification (crystallisation), each printed material can withstand its own weight to maintain shape fidelity, and the porosity of the scaffolds can also be controlled more selectively. The thermophysical properties of gelatine hydrogels were investigated to gain a better understanding of the phase change upon freezing. The corresponding material properties and experimental observations of gelatine solidification served as the basis for developing a computational fluid model (CFD) to mimic the solidification of gelatine hydrogels using a cryoplatform at different process conditions and extruder speeds. The goal was to develop a tool simple enough to predict acceptable process conditions for printing gelatine hydrogels using a cryoplatform.

The article includes the study and reconstruction of a fluid bed device with the purpose of separating the granular material from the grinding process of rapid antigen tests. The following techniques were performed, with the purpose of characterisation of the ground particles: sieve analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The paper includes experimental testing of a simplified separation process with zeolite spheres and paper strips, supported by a numerical model. The flow conditions’ impact on the behaviour and interactions of particles of the considered problem were simulated using coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the discrete element method (DEM) approach. The separation process of zeolite spheres and paper strips was found to be efficient. The simulation results showed the appropriate behaviour of the particles during the process. We explained the results’ deviations, and we also presented the shortcomings and possible improvements. Further research is required to define the adequacy of the process, while using actual ground material of rapid antigen tests.