A Versatile Photocrosslinkable Silicone Composite for 3D Printing Applications.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Additive Manufacturing
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Embedded printing is crucial for fabricating intricate structures and microfluidic devices.
• Advancements in material science are key to expanding the capabilities and applications of embedded printing.
• Developing versatile materials is essential for creating complex 3D constructs with integrated functionalities.

Approach:

• A novel, transparent, 3D printable, photocrosslinkable, and tuneable silicone composite was synthesized.
• The silicone composite's rheological properties, including self-recovery and yield stress, were optimized for 3D printing.
• The material was tested as both a support bath and an extrudable ink for embedded printing applications.

Key Points:

• As a support bath, the silicone composite enabled the fabrication of microfluidic devices with channels as small as 30 µm in diameter.
• Flow focusing microfluidic devices were created for Janus microrod generation, demonstrating potential for diverse applications.
• As an extrudable ink, the material facilitated 3D printing of complex constructs with integrated electronics, suitable for soft robotics and prosthetics.
• Biocompatibility testing confirmed the material's suitability for medical and tissue engineering applications.

Conclusions:

• This tuneable silicone composite offers a versatile platform for embedded 3D printing.
• The material facilitates the creation of complex 3D structures and microfluidic devices, advancing research in microfluidics and soft robotics.
• Its biocompatibility and printability open avenues for applications in medical fields, tissue engineering, and advanced manufacturing.