3D direct printing of mechanical and biocompatible hydrogel meta-structures

Direct Ink Writing (DIW) has demonstrated great potential as a versatile method to 3D print multifunctional structures. In this work, we report the implementation of hydrogel meta-structures using DIW at room temperature, which seamlessly integrate large specific surface areas, interconnected porous characteristics, mechanical toughness, biocompatibility, and water absorption and retention capabilities. Robust but hydrophobic polymers and weakly crosslinked nature-origin hydrogels form a balance in the self-supporting ink, allowing us to directly print complex meta-structures without sacrificial materials and heating extrusion. Mechanically, the mixed bending or stretching of symmetrical re-entrant cellular lattices and the unique curvature patterns are combined to provide little lateral expansion and large compressive energy absorbance when external forces are applied on the printed meta-structures. In addition, we have successfully demonstrated ear, aortic valve conduits and hierarchical architectures. We anticipate that the reported 3D meta-structured hydrogel would offer a new strategy to develop functional biomaterials for tissue engineering applications in the future.