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Reconfigurable aqueous 3D printing with adaptive dual locks
Yuchen Fu1,2, Zhiyong Li3, Sai Zhao1,2
1Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Science Advances
|April 24, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed reconfigurable 3D printed liquid structures using aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs). Functionalized nanoparticles create adaptive dual locks, controlling structural integrity and permeability for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) are increasingly used for 3D printing complex biomedical structures.
- Controlling the structural integrity and permeability of these liquid structures remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for creating reconfigurable 3D printed structures in aqueous environments.
- To impart adaptive dual locks for structural integrity and permeability using functionalized nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Utilized specific and nonspecific interactions to anchor nanoparticles at the water-water interface within ATPS.
- Employed in situ liquid-liquid interfacial atomic force microscopy for imaging interfacial film morphologies.
- Incorporated d-glucose and sodium alginate to manipulate the dual lock properties.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated the formation of various interfacial film morphologies at the ATPS interface.
- Showcased the ability to anchor functionalized nanoparticles, creating adaptive dual locks.
- Confirmed that d-glucose and sodium alginate effectively modulate structural integrity and permeability.
Conclusions:
- Paved a pathway for 3D printing multiresponsive all-aqueous systems with tunable structures and permeability.
- Highlights the potential for developing smart drug delivery systems and facilitating in vivo reactions.
- Introduced a bio-inspired approach for advanced liquid material design.
