arstechnica.com
Researchers developed a “necroprinter” using mosquito proboscises as printing nozzles, achieving a resolution of 18-22 microns, surpassing metal alternatives in precision. However, the proboscises struggled with high-viscosity inks due to low-pressure resistance and couldn’t match the sub-micron printing capabilities of glass tips. A potential solution involves coating the proboscis with ceramic for added strength.
Despite limitations, the low cost (estimated at 80 cents per nozzle compared to $25-80 for metal/glass) and readily available nature of mosquitoes make them attractive for printing scaffolds for cells or microscopic electronics. The researchers aim to further explore mosquito bodies for innovative engineering solutions, addressing both their benefits and the problems they cause.
