Biocompatible PEGDA Resin for 3D Printing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Microfluidics
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Custom high-resolution 3D printing enables advanced microfluidic devices.
• Biocompatible resins are crucial for cell-based applications in 3D printed structures.
• Traditional resins may exhibit cytotoxicity or require post-processing for cell compatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a non-cytotoxic resin for high-resolution 3D printing.
• To assess the biocompatibility and cell adhesion properties of the novel resin.
• To demonstrate the utility of the resin in cell-based assays, including spheroid formation and migration.

Main Methods:

• A novel poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) resin incorporating avobenzone as a UV absorber (A-PEGDA) was synthesized.
• Cytotoxicity and cell adhesion were evaluated for both A-PEGDA and 2-nitrophenyl phenyl sulfide-PEGDA (NPS-PEGDA) resins.
• 3D printed structures were assessed in their as-printed state and after plasma treatment for cell adhesion.
• Spheroid formation and cell migration assays were performed using A-PEGDA in 3D printed wells.

Main Results:

• Avobenzone-PEGDA (A-PEGDA) resin demonstrated effective non-cytotoxicity in its as-printed state.
• NPS-PEGDA resin required a 12-hour ethanol wash to achieve non-cytotoxicity.
• As-printed resins showed limited cell adhesion, which significantly increased after plasma treatment.
• A-PEGDA facilitated spheroid formation in ultra-low adhesion 3D printed wells and supported cell migration.

Conclusions:

• A-PEGDA is a promising non-cytotoxic resin for high-resolution 3D printing in cell-based applications.
• Plasma treatment enhances cell adhesion on 3D printed surfaces, expanding their utility.
• The developed resin enables advanced cell culture models, including spheroid formation and migration studies within 3D microfluidic structures.