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4D-Printable Photocrosslinkable Polyurethane-Based Inks for Tissue Scaffold and Actuator Applications
Hossein Goodarzi Hosseinabadi1,2,3, Arpan Biswas1, Anant Bhusal4
1Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Department of Biofabrication, University of Bayreuth, Ludwig Thoma Str. 36A, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|September 29, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a new 4D printing ink for smart materials. This photocrosslinkable ink enables light-assisted fabrication of responsive constructs with tunable properties for tissue engineering and actuators.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- 4D printing builds upon 3D printing, enabling constructs to change shape in response to stimuli.
- Smart materials with dynamic responses are crucial for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize a photocrosslinkable ink for light-assisted 4D printing.
- To demonstrate the fabrication of stimuli-responsive constructs for tissue engineering and actuators.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a photocrosslinkable polyethylene-glycol polyurethane ink.
- Tuning monomer molecular weight distribution via copolymerization time.
- Utilizing Digital Light Processing (DLP) for programmed differential swelling.
- Embedding bioactive microparticles for enhanced biocompatibility.
Main Results:
- Tunable ink properties and programmed swelling responses achieved.
- Demonstrated high cell viability (>90% in 1 week) and biodegradability (≈50% in 4 weeks).
- Fabricated functional 4D printed devices including self-folding scaffolds, grippers, and actuators.
Conclusions:
- The developed ink provides a versatile platform for fabricating complex, stimuli-responsive constructs.
- The material shows significant promise for tissue engineering and soft robotics applications.
