Material Transport Research Articles

Mechanically mediated cargo delivery to cells using microfluidic devices.

Drug delivery technologies, which are a crucial area of research in the field of cell biology, aim to actively or passively deliver drugs to target cells to enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize off-target effects. In recent years, with advances in drug development, particularly, the increasing demand for macromolecular drugs (e.g., proteins and nucleic acids), novel drug delivery technologies and intracellular cargo delivery systems have emerged as promising tools for cell and gene therapy. These systems include various viral- and chemical-mediated methods as well as physical delivery strategies. Physical methods, such as electroporation and microinjection, have shown promise in early studies but have not been widely adopted due to concerns regarding efficiency and cellular viability. Recently, microfluidic technologies have provided new opportunities for cargo delivery by allowing for precise control of fluid dynamic parameters to achieve efficient and safe penetration of cell membranes, as well as for foreign material transport. Microfluidics-based mechanical delivery methods utilize biophysical phenomena, such as cell constriction and fluid shear, and are associated with high throughput and high transfection efficiency. In this review, we summarize the latest advancements in microfluidic mechanical delivery technologies, and we discuss constriction- and fluid shear-induced delivery strategies. Furthermore, we explore the potential application of artificial intelligence in optimizing cargo delivery technologies, aiming to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the future development of novel cellular drug delivery technologies.

Buried hole-selective interface engineering for high-efficiency tin-lead perovskite solar cells with enhanced interfacial chemical stability

Mixed Sn-Pb perovskites are attracting significant attention due to their narrow bandgap and consequent potential for all-perovskite tandem solar cells. However, the conventional hole transport materials can lead to band misalignment or induce degradation at the buried interface of perovskite. Here we designed a self-assembled material 4-(9H-carbozol-9-yl)phenylboronic acid (4PBA) for the surface modification of the substrate as the hole-selective contact. It incorporates an electron-rich carbazole group and conjugated phenyl group, which contribute to a substantial interfacial dipole moment and tune the substrate’s energy levels for better alignment with the Sn-Pb perovskite energy levels, thereby promoting hole extraction. Meanwhile, enhanced perovskite crystallization and improved contact at bottom of the perovskite minimized defects within perovskite bulk and at the buried interface, suppressing non-radiative recombination. Consequently, Sn-Pb perovskite solar cells using 4PBA achieved efficiencies of up to 23.45%. Remarkably, 4PBA layer provided superior interfacial chemical stability, and effectively mitigated device degradation. Unencapsulated devices retained 93.5% of their initial efficiency after 2000 h of shelf storage.

Efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials based on a quinoxaline-derived electron-acceptor

Two 6,7-dicyanoquinoxaline/carbazole hybrid compounds (DCNQx-1 and DCNQx-2) were synthesized by introducing different carbazole groups into the quinoxaline-6,7-dicarbonitrile skeleton through the phenyl-bridged linkers, and characterized by NMR (1H and 13C) and high resolution mass spectrometry. The structure-property relationship of the compounds was revealed by exploring their thermal stability, photophysical and electrochemical properties. The compounds DCNQx-1 and DCNQx-2 showed bright orange red and green emission with the fluorescence quantum yield of 5.86% for DCNQx-1 and 64.87 % for DCNQx-2 in toluene solution, and exhibited red and yellow emission with the fluorescence quantum yield of 19.50% and 23.52% in solid states, respectively. Using tris(4-carbazoyl-9-ylphenyl)amine (TCTA) as the host material and 1,3-bis[3,5-di(pyridin-3-yl)phenyl]benzene (BmPyPB) as the electron transport material, the host-containing devices with a configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS (40 nm)/TCTA:DCNQx-derivative (x wt%) (30 nm)/BmPyPB (35 nm)/Liq (2 nm)/Al (200 nm) were fabricated by solution-processing the emitting layers to investigated their electroluminescence (EL) performances. In the absence of the hole-transporting layers, the host-containing devices of DCNQx-1 showed the maximum luminance (Lmax) was 3766 cd/m2, the maximum current efficiency (CEmax) was 15.55 cd/A, and the maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) was 6.89%. The host-containing devices of DCNQx-2 exhibited the best EL performances with Lmax of 3786 cd/m2, CEmax of 28.45 cd/A and EQEmax of 8.85%.

Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells with a Multifunctional Spiro‐Based Hole Transport Material

AbstractThe widely used spiro‐OMeTAD exhibits moderate interaction with the perovskite layer, which does not decrease the defect on the perovskite surface, thus limiting the photoelectric performance of perovskite solar cells. In this work, the spiro‐OMeTAD structure is functionalized with chlorine (Cl), resulting in a new material labeled spiro‐mCl, which interacts more effectively with the perovskite and passivating interface defects. In addition, the strong electronegativity of Cl lowers the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbitals (HOMO) energy level of spiro‐mCl, resulting in a better match with the valence band of perovskite. Additionally, the asymmetry introduced by Cl enhances the hole mobility and increases the glass transition temperature of spiro‐mCl. As a result, the device incorporating spiro‐mCl achieved an open‐circuit voltage of 1.16 V and a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 25.26% (certified at 24.88%), marking it as one of the highest‐performing spirobifluorene‐based HTMs in PSCs. Importantly, this device also demonstrated significantly improved operational stability compared to the one utilizing spiro‐OMeTAD.

Investigating the performance of Tin-based perovskite solar cell with Cadmium Sulphide as etm and graphene as htm using SCAPS-1D

Solar cells based on lead-free perovskite have demonstrated great potential for renewable energy. The SCAPS-1D simulation software was used in this study to perform device modelling of a lead-free perovskite solar cell of the architecture Glass/FTO/CdS/CH3NH3SnI3/Graphene/Pt. For the performance evaluation, an optimization process of the different parameters such as thickness of the ETM, Absorber, Bandgap energy of the hole transport material was conducted. Extensive discussion on its effect on the performance of the solar cell parameters were stated. An optimal ETM and Absorber layer thickness was achieved at 40nm and 950nm. The Bandgap energy gave an optimal performance of device parameters at 0.9eV. Temperature variations were simulated and it was noted that the device had a minimal decrease in PSC parameters performance with increasing temperature. The final optimized device structure achieved a PCE, Voc, Jsc and FF of 25.65%, 0.9606 V, 33.2491(mA/cm2), and 80.32% respectively. Therefore, we expect that our findings will pave the way for the development of lead-free and highly effective perovskite solar cells.

Solution-processed tungsten diselenide as an inorganic hole transport material for moisture-stable perovskite solar cells in the n-i-p architecture

Some of the obstacles to the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are their long-term moisture stability and material cost of the constituent layers, such as the commonly used spiro-OMeTAD hole transport layer (HTL). Replacing the spiro-OMeTAD with low-cost inorganic hole transport materials (HTMs) are important to further elevate the attractiveness of PSCs for commercialization. Perovskite-compatible, solution-exfoliated two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are being considered as viable candidates for inorganic HTMs. We consider one such TMDC, WSe2 which was chemically exfoliated using dichlorobenzene (DCB), a perovskite-compatible solvent, as it was integrated with triple cation perovskite absorbers within the solar cell stack. The WSe2 HTL required heat treatment processes to be maintained below 100 °C in order to preserve the integrity of the underlying perovskite; despite this lower temperature post treatment process, the structural morphology of the film revealed its dense and pinhole-free nature. Temperature-dependent transport studies conducted on the WSe2 film provided evidence of its semiconducting character and its ability to extract holes well from the underlying triple-cation Cs0.05FA0.79MA0.16PbI2.45Br0.55 absorber. The inorganic HTL offered better environmental stability in moisture-rich environments of up to 60 % relative humidity, in comparison to spiro-OMeTAD HTL-based devices which degraded faster as a result of pinholes.

The growing, resilient, inclusive and sustainable (GRINS) project for the development of life cycle inventory databases of beef cattle raised in Italy: The statistical datasets and the environmental assessment

Within the framework of the Growing, Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable (GRINS) project (Spoke 1, WP3, Next Generation EU program), this work aims to overcome the absence of Italian beef cattle Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) datasets through a capillary analysis of several parameters. Specifically, the contribution to the environmental impact of livestock breeding of breed features (age, gender, weight, daily weight gain, breeding, feed intake and composition, milk and manure production), as well as stable management and crop cultivation was investigated. Statistical inventory datasets (84 in total) were developed for the predominant (<1 % population cut-off) beef cattle breeds in Italy.A key finding was the quantification of CH4 emissions from enteric fermentation (ranging from0.259 to 0.714 g kg−1 of live weight per day) and its contribution to the overall environmental impact of beef cattle breeding. The composition of feed rations emerged as critical, influencing both cattle emissions and environmental impacts associated with the cultivation and transport of raw materials. Intensive and langer breeds like Aubrac, Blond d'Aquitaine, Blue Belga, Charolaise, and Chianina, exhibited higher eco-indicator values compared to the extensive beef cattle breeds (Podolica, Highland, and Maremmana). The life cycle assessment identified several key impact categories (climate change, water use and ecotoxicity freshwater) mainly contributing to the total eco-indicator. Climate change (22.1 %) represented the greatest impact category, with beef cattle emissions over their lifespan averaging 9.3 Mg CO2-eq. Methane (enteric fermentation) and NH3 (manure management) emissions, as well as irrigation and pesticide use, represented the main hotspots. A comparative analysis evaluated the environmental footprint of Italian beef cattle against benchmarks outlined in the “Made Green in Italy” brand's Product Category Rules. This comparison revealed a 32.4 % reduction in total eco-indicator for Italian beef cattle, due to a significant decrease in freshwater ecotoxicity (−72.5 %), land use (−34.2) and climate change (−7.5 %).

Robotic upcycling and recycling: unraveling the era of sustainable in-space manufacturing

AbstractAdvancements in material science, manufacturing and sensor technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things have paved the way for fabricating new parts using additive manufacturing in microgravity conditions. NASA has successfully demonstrated 3D printing onboard the International Space Station (ISS), though at a minor scale. Nevertheless, the parts built onboard the ISS were returned to Earth for further testing and verification. The logistics of bi-directional transportation of raw materials from Earth to ISS and 3D-printed parts from ISS back to Earth is complex, expensive, and slow. Harnessing materials from space to establish in-orbit manufacturing as a sustainable process is both technically and economically challenging. The potential to reuse, repurpose or recycle space debris is not well studied, though there is an increasing momentum in Active Debris Removal (ADR) missions. Unlike the standard research or review paper, this is a visionary paper in which the authors explicitly address the intersection between space debris removal and in-space manufacturing. This paper defines a pathway towards implementing an operational in-orbit manufacturing and debris removal model. For the first time, the authors introduce the application of Cloud-Based Design and Manufacturing (CBDM) for in-space manufacturing in this paper. The paper aims to define a roadmap towards implementing a space operational model for in-orbit manufacturing and debris removal. Future enabling technologies that will leverage the advances in robotics, automation, and Space 5.0-based solutions to create a new environmentally friendly and economically profitable orbital ecosystem are presented. The authors analyze the pros and cons of robotic ADR, upcycling and recycling space debris for on-demand manufacturing in orbit and present a systematic approach to implementing in-orbit manufacturing as a new frontier. Recommendations are made to establish an imminent Earth-independent space logistics and supply chain system for operating an orbital factory or warehouse that will help realize a suite of in-orbit manufacturing, maintenance, and assembly missions.

Experimental analysis of rock mass transport during dolomite and gas outburst

In this paper, the problem of transporting rock material deep into the working is addressed. In the case of coal, literature reports indicate that sorbed gas is responsible for coal mass transport. As a result of laboratory tests, the marginality of sorption phenomena occurring in dolomite was confirmed. Transport of rock material during rock and gas outburst takes place in several stages. In the first stage, the post-outburst masses by gravity onto the bottom of the excavation and gas is released from the cavern which, after reaching a critical speed, entrains the accumulated material. A study was carried out to estimate the minimum start-up speed for grain transport. On the basis of analyses of the occurring gas-geodynamic phenomena and the conducted experimental tests, it can be concluded that on the basis of the size of the post-throw cavity and the length of the retention of the post-outburst masses, the work of transporting the post-outburst masses can be estimated. Finally, an energy balance of the rock-gas outburst phenomenon was performed based on the rock-gas system parameters estimated after two outbursts in dolomite.

Technology for removing PM2.5 in clean coal processes

Most countries primarily utilize thermal power to meet their energy needs. However, thermal power generation generates a substantial amount of pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), SOX, and NOX. These pollutants not only damage backend turbines and related equipment but also pollute the environment; thus, controlling their emissions is critical.This study developed a system operating under high temperature by integrating heating, pneumatic conveying, dust particulate supply, and filter material transport systems. This setup enables the simulation of the entry of syngas with PM at the output of a gasification unit. The developed composite filtration system was analyzed under various operational parameters, including different temperatures, inlet air velocities, and mass flow rates of filter material, to examine the changes in the dust particulate size distribution at its outlet and its PM2.5 collection efficiency. In a series of tests, the collection efficiency of this system reached at least 95% at operating temperatures between 20°C and 600°C. Each 100°C increase in the operating temperature resulted in a 0.63% decrease in the PM2.5 collection efficiency. The findings of this study lay the foundation for the future development of high-temperature gas purification systems.

Improved identification and tracking of three-dimensional eddies in the Southern Ocean utilizing 3D-U-Res-Net

Oceanic mesoscale eddies are prevalent throughout the global ocean, playing a critical role in material and energy transport while significantly influencing climate change. Accurate characterization of their three-dimensional structures and movement is essential for a quantitative analysis of their transport processes. Traditional eddy detection algorithms have lower successful detection rate and with more limitations, so they fall short in the complex and dynamic ocean environment. The rising trend of applying artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, due to their efficiency, precision, and automation, addresses this challenge. This study employs the 3D-U-Res-Net algorithm to identify the three-dimensional structures of mesoscale eddies in the Southern Ocean using GLORYS12V1 data from 2011 to 2020. A vector geometry-based eddy detection algorithm (VG) initially identified 1587292 eddy snapshots in the Southern Ocean (2011–2019), which were used for training the 3D-U-Res-Net algorithm. Data from 2020 served as the ground truth and validation set. The successful detection rate of 3D-U-Res-Net algorithm is 100%, which means that it identified all 135734 eddy snapshots from the VG dataset in 2020. For eddy tracking, the VG algorithm counted 18168 eddy tracks, whereas the 3D-U-Res-Net counted 18559, reflecting a 2.15% bias. To reduce uncertainty, eddies with lifespans shorter than two weeks were excluded. The average lifespans and traveling distances for eddies detected by the 3D-U-Res-Net (VG) algorithm were 29.35 (29.61) days and 77.78 (37.60) km, respectively, with the 3D-U-Res-Net identifying eddies with longer traveling distances. The mean radius of eddies detected by the VG algorithm was 43.16 km, while the 3D-U-Res-Net detected eddies with a mean radius of 43.74 km, a 0.58 km increase. We categorized eddies into four three-dimensional structures: bowl-shaped, cone-shaped, lens-shaped, and cylindrical. The VG algorithm identified these structures in proportions of 32%, 31%, 25%, and 12%, respectively, whereas the 3D-U-Res-Net algorithm found 19.48%, 19.58%, 0.04%, and 60.9%, respectively. The 3D-U-Res-Net identified more cylindrical eddies and was approximately ten times faster than the VG algorithm. Overall, this algorithm has good performance and higher efficiency. It is an attempt of using AI for oceanic research, and more works can be carried out in the future.

Influence of Tropical Cyclones and Cold Waves on the Eastern Guangdong Coastal Hydrodynamics: Processes and Mechanisms

Influence of Tropical Cyclones and Cold Waves on the Eastern Guangdong Coastal Hydrodynamics: Processes and Mechanisms

Phenothiazine‐Modified PTAA Hole Transporting Materials for Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells: A Trade‐Off Between Performance and Sustainability

AbstractHole Transport Materials (HTMs) are one of the key elements in Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs) and specifically polymeric HTMs have recently emerged as one of the most viable options to couple excellent performance and good stability. However, most are processed only in aromatic solvents (e.g., toluene or chlorobenzene), thus negatively impacting the overall sustainability of the device. In this contribution, four novel polymers are synthesized specifically designed to be processable in less harsh, non‐aromatic, and non‐chlorinated solvent (i.e., Tetrahydrofuran – THF): the conventional PTAA scaffold is modified by the insertion of a phenothiazine (PTZ) and by the modulation of the methyl moieties on the peripheral benzene. Alternatively, a benzothiadiazole moiety is also added. The polymers are then implemented in flexible PSCs (F‐PSCs) that have recently attracted increased attention due to their high power‐to‐weight ratio. The THF‐processed P1 (a PTZ‐PTAA copolymer with one methyl group substituted) reaches an overall efficiency of 9.10%, outperforming THF‐processed PTAA (PCE = 8.25%) and approaching the one of toluene‐processed reference (PCE = 9.30%). Furthermore, P1 shows better stability under light soaking conditions. To rationalize these results, different characterizations are presented, including optoelectronic techniques, thermal and surface analyses, and GWAXS measurements.

Research on Bearing Capacity of a Novel Prestressed Concrete Prefabricated Foundation with High Uplift Resistance Characteristic

Unlike traditional building structures, transmission tower foundations endure significant vertical and horizontal loads, with particularly high uplift resistance requirements in complex terrains. Moreover, challenges such as difficult material transport and low construction efficiency arise in these regions. This study, based on practical projects, proposes a novel high uplift resistance prestressed concrete prefabricated foundation (HURPCPF) tailored for transmission line systems in complex terrains. A refined finite element model is developed using ABAQUS to analyze its performance under uplift, compressive, and horizontal loads. Comparative studies with cast-in-situ concrete foundations evaluate the HURPCPF’s bearing capacity, while parametric analysis explores the impacts of foundation depth and dimensions. The results show that the proposed HURPCPF exhibits a linear load–displacement relationship, with uniform deformation and good integrity under compressive and uplift conditions. During overturning, the tilt angle is less than 1/500, meeting safety standards. The design of prestressed steel strands and internal reinforcement effectively distributes tensile stress, with a maximum stress of 290 MPa, well below the yield stress of 400 MPa. Compared to cast-in-situ concrete foundations, the displacement at the top of the HURPCPF’s column differs by less than 7%, indicating comparable bearing performance. As foundation depth and size increase, vertical displacement of the HURPCPF decreases, enhancing its uplift resistance.

Approaches for white organic light-emitting diode via solution-processed blue and yellow TADF emitters: Charge balance and host-guest interactions in a single emission layer

[Display omitted] Although OLEDs are widely employed nowadays for display technology devices, their application for room-lighting illumination remains a challenge due to the cost-effectiveness issues, mainly related to device fabrication. In this sense, the present study investigates the optimization of blue-emitting TADF (DMOC-DPS) and yellow-emitting TADF (TXO-TPA) compounds in solution-processed OLEDs to achieve efficient white light emission in a two-organic layer device. Four different host materials were studied, aiming to balance the charge mobility of holes and electrons. The host materials used include (in %wt.) a 1:1 mixture of mCP and DPEPO (HOST1), a 3:2 mixture of PVK and DPEPO (HOST2), a 3:2 mixture of PVK and mCP (HOST3), and a 3:2 mixture of PVK and butyl-PBD (HOST4). The experimental results obtained from the solution-processed OLEDs indicate that DMOC-DPS is predominantly a hole transport material, and hosts with predominantly n-type character, such as HOST1 and HOST4, resulting in the most efficient white-OLEDs by the most balanced charge mobility. With structure optimization, WOLEDs achieved 6.43 % EQE with a brightness of 2621 cd/m2 (not integrated) and 6.06 % EQE with a brightness of 1986 cd/m2 for HOST4 and HOST1, respectively. The emission characteristics were influenced by host materials characteristics, with blue and yellow emissions being fine-tuned to produce complementary colors. This study highlights the critical role of charge mobility balance in the emissive layer and demonstrates the potential of independently optimizing blue and yellow TADF components for high-performance WOLEDs suitable for indoor lighting applications.

Lcs4Foam – An OpenFOAM Function Object to Compute Lagrangian Coherent Structures

To facilitate the understanding and to quantitatively assess the material transport in fluids, a modern characterisation method has emerged in fluid dynamics in the last decades that is based on dynamical systems theory. It allows to examine the most influential material lines which are called Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCS) and order the material transport into dynamically distinct regions at large scales which resist diffusion or mixing. LCS reveal the robust skeleton of material surfaces and are essential to assess material transport in time-dependent flows quantitatively. Candidates of LCS can be estimated and visualised from finite-time stretching and folding fields by calculating the Finite-Time Lyapunov Exponents (FTLE). In this contribution, we provide a function object to compute FTLE during CFD simulation by coupling OpenFOAM to the third-party library libcfd2lcs. This enables the OpenFOAM community to assess the geometry of the material transport in any flow quantitatively on-the-fly using virtually any OpenFOAM flow solver.

Tumor microtubes: A new potential therapeutic target for high-grade gliomas.

High-grade infiltrating gliomas are highly aggressive and fatal brain tumors that present significant challenges for research and treatment due to their complex microenvironment and tissue structure. Recent discovery of tumor microtubes (TMs) has provided new insights into how high-grade gliomas develop in the brain and resist treatment. TMs are unique, ultra-long, and highly functional membrane protrusions that form multicellular networks and play crucial roles in glioma invasiveness, drug resistance, recurrence, and heterogeneity. This review focuses on the different roles that TMs play in glioma cell communication, material transport, and tumor cell behavior. Specifically, non-connecting TMs primarily promote glioma invasiveness, likely related to their role in enhancing cell motility. On the other hand, interconnecting TMs form functional and communication networks by connecting with surrounding astrocytes and neurons, thereby promoting glioma malignancy. We summarize the factors that influence the formation of TMs in gliomas and current strategies targeting TMs. As the understanding of TMs advances, we are closer to uncovering whether they might be the long-sought Achilles' heel of treatment-resistant gliomas. By delving deeper into TMs research, we hope to develop more effective therapeutic strategies for patients with malignant gliomas.

Surface oxygen vacancy regulation strategy enhances the electrochemical catalytic activity of CoFe2O4 cathode for solid oxide fuel cells

Oxygen vacancies are crucial for enhancing oxygen ion transport in solid-state materials. Therefore, an approach was established to efficiently adjust the surface oxygen vacancy concentration in the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cathodes. This method employs NaBH4 solution to capture lattice oxygen on the cathode surface, enabling precise control over both the surface oxygen vacancy concentration and the transition metal ion valence states in spinel CoFe2O4 (CFO) by modulating the NaBH4 treatment duration. The results indicate that CFO-10, treated with NaBH4 solution for 10 min, exhibits optimal electrochemical catalytic activity. This enhancement is primarily attributed to the improved oxygen adsorption-dissociation and charge transfer processes. At 750 °C, CFO-10 shows a polarization resistance (Rp) of 0.032Ω cm2, representing a reduction of 42.8 % compared to CFO. Additionally, CFO-10 achieves a peak power density (PPD) of 923 mW·cm−2, representing a 78.5 % increase compared to CFO. This study provides new insights for optimizing SOFC spinel oxide cathode performance and opens a promising avenue for the development of other high-performance catalytic materials.

Regulations for the transport of nuclear and radioactive materials in Brazil

The transportation of radioactive material involves a set of procedures as varied as they are complex, justifying its strong standardization. This article aims to demonstrate that the collaborative effort between two Brazilian licensing agencies, which resulted in the elaboration of a Joint Technical Note, was justified considering the legislative process. By consolidating various norms and procedures – from the configurations of packages containing radioactive material to the training program for drivers responsible for transportation, including environmental safety of routes – it proves to be a facilitator of the work for everyone involved in this activity. In conclusion, it is shown that there is strong standardization of this activity in Brazil and that the legislative process is dynamic, reflecting natural improvements in technical and legal aspects inherent to the nature of the material involved.

Business Models and Advanced Additive Manufacturing strategies for better sustainability

This article explores the impact of Additive Manufacturing (AM) on business models in the context of manufacturing sustainability. We define two new standards of sustainable business models enabled by AM and discuss their potential advantages in addressing specific manufacturing challenges. The technological advancements brought about by AM have significantly influenced the manufacturing industry, fostering innovation and reshaping market structures and value-creation processes. Notably, AM contributes to sustainability by reducing material waste and transportation costs, establishing itself as a low-impact manufacturing technology. While AM is not positioned to entirely replace traditional manufacturing processes, organizations can leverage its integration with these processes to catalyze business model innovation. To expand the market for AM technologies, it is crucial to examine AM not only from a process and technology perspective but also in terms of its ability to eliminate the need for tooling and dies, which are typically produced through energy-intensive methods. Advanced manufacturing techniques can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and time to market, demonstrating AM's potential energy-saving benefits across various sectors.