JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

Single-Component Cellulose Acetate Sulfate Hydrogels for Direct Ink Writing 3D Printing

  • 0Department of Forest Biomaterials, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States.
Biomacromolecules +

|

August 21, 2024

|

August 21, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Environmentally friendly cellulose acetate sulfate (CAS) hydrogels were developed for 3D printing. Optimized CAS hydrogels with specific sulfate substitution and concentration showed excellent printability and structural integrity after ionic cross-linking.

Area Of Science

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Biomaterials Engineering

Background

  • Growing environmental concerns drive demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional hydrogels.
  • Cellulose derivatives offer a promising renewable resource for advanced material applications.
  • Cellulose acetate sulfate (CAS) presents unique properties for hydrogel formulation.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop and optimize cellulose-based hydrogels from cellulose acetate sulfate (CAS) for 3D printing applications.
  • To investigate the influence of sulfate group substitution and CAS concentration on hydrogel rheology.
  • To evaluate the printability and structural integrity of CAS hydrogels, including the effect of ionic cross-linking.

Main Methods

  • Systematic variation of sulfate group substitution (DS<sub>sulfate</sub>) and CAS concentration (2-5 wt %).
  • Rheological characterization (shear-thinning, yield stress, thixotropy) to determine optimal ink properties.
  • Direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing using optimized CAS hydrogel formulations.
  • Evaluation of 3D-printed structure integrity and behavior (swelling, shrinking) with Ca<sup>2+</sup> ionic cross-linking.

Main Results

  • Optimal rheological properties for 3D printing were achieved with CAS hydrogels at DS<sub>sulfate</sub> = 0.7 and 4 wt % concentration.
  • The selected CAS hydrogel formulation demonstrated successful direct ink writing capabilities.
  • Ionic cross-linking with Ca<sup>2+</sup> ions significantly enhanced the structural integrity and stability of the 3D-printed hydrogel constructs.
  • Cross-linking effectively modulated the swelling and shrinking behaviors of the printed structures.

Conclusions

  • Cellulose acetate sulfate (CAS) is a viable precursor for fabricating eco-friendly hydrogels suitable for 3D printing.
  • Tailoring sulfate substitution and concentration allows for precise control over hydrogel rheology for direct ink writing.
  • Ionic cross-linking provides an effective strategy to improve the mechanical stability and performance of 3D-printed CAS hydrogels.
  • This research expands the potential of cellulose derivatives in the field of 3D-printed biomaterials.