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Bio-inspired hydrogels comprising organic and inorganic components association explored as Bingham precursor solution for extending direct ink writing technique in 3D printing

  • 0Polymer Laboratory, National Centre of Excellence in Physical Chemistry, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules +

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July 18, 2025

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July 18, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed a novel Bingham precursor hydrogel using acrylamide, gellan gum, SiO2 nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes for 3D printing. This enhanced hydrogel shows improved mechanical properties and self-healing capabilities for applications in artificial organs and wearable sensors.

Area Of Science

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background

  • Developing advanced hydrogels for 3D printing applications like artificial organs and sensors is crucial.
  • Achieving Bingham fluid properties with controlled fluidity, enhanced mechanical strength, stability, and conductivity in hydrogel precursors remains a significant challenge.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To synthesize a novel Bingham precursor hydrogel solution optimized for Direct Ink Writing (DIW) 3D printing.
  • To enhance the mechanical properties, sensitivity, and self-healing capabilities of hydrogels for advanced applications.

Main Methods

  • Formulation of a hydrogel precursor using acrylamide (Am), gellan gum (GG), SiO2 nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
  • Rheological characterization to optimize the mixture for Bingham fluid properties and 3D printability.
  • Dynamic mechanical analysis to evaluate tensile strength, elasticity, toughness, and self-healing properties.

Main Results

  • The optimized Am/GG co-polymeric hydrogel with SiO2 and CNTs exhibited a 206% enhancement in tensile strength (158.7 kPa) and a 328% improvement in elasticity (0.23 kPa Young's modulus).
  • The hydrogel demonstrated significant self-healing capabilities, recovering up to 90% of its original tensile strength.
  • The material was successfully used for 3D printing complex shapes and fabricating a functional sensor for human motion detection.

Conclusions

  • The developed Bingham precursor hydrogel offers a promising platform for fabricating mechanically robust and sensitive 3D printed structures.
  • The enhanced mechanical properties and self-healing ability make this hydrogel suitable for applications in artificial organs and wearable electronic sensors.
  • This study highlights the potential of combining organic and inorganic components to achieve tailored hydrogel properties for advanced manufacturing.

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