Complex Shape Processing of Gelatin Gel by Micro-Electric Discharge Machining

Gelatin gel is an essential material in medical and food processing fields. However, since gelatin gel is a soft material, microfabrication by cut processing is difficult. Therefore, in this study, processing of gelatin gel is carried out by using Micro-Electrical Discharge Machining (micro-EDM). In medical research field, 3D cell culture attracts attention. Some cells are oriented in vivo, and when cells are cultured in a groove having a width of several tens of micrometers, the cells can be oriented. In this study, groove having a processing width of several micrometers was produced utilizing micro-EDM. Furthermore, control of the processing width of grooves and fabrication of circular grooves were carried out.