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3D-Printed Stent-Like Polymeric Structures with Tunable Mechanical Properties and Ionic Conductivity for Reinforced
Isteaque Ahmed1, Andrew E Bryan1,2, Shihab M Bhuiyan1
1Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, United States.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|October 1, 2025
Summary
This study reinforced piezoelectric nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) using 3D-printed polymer lattices. This stent-inspired approach enhances mechanical support and ionic transport for improved peripheral nerve regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Peripheral nerve injuries pose significant clinical challenges, especially for large defects.
- Existing electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) lack mechanical robustness.
- A need exists for enhanced NGCs that combine mechanical support with beneficial electrochemical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a mechanically reinforced nerve guidance conduit platform for peripheral nerve regeneration.
- To integrate 3D-printed polymer lattices with piezoelectric PVDF-TrFE conduits.
- To optimize reinforcement properties for enhanced structural integrity and ion transport.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3D-printed polymer lattices using poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and ethylene glycol polyether acrylate (EGPEA).
- Integration of lattices with electrospun PVDF-TrFE conduits.
- Mechanical testing and finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate structural support.
- Biocompatibility assessment using fibroblast assays.
- Modulation of EGPEA:PEGDA ratio to tune mechanical stiffness, swelling, and ionic conductivity.
Main Results:
- Hexagonal lattice geometries significantly improved yield strength and reduced stress concentrations in PVDF-TrFE conduits under physiological pressures.
- Modulating the EGPEA:PEGDA ratio allowed tailoring of mechanical and ionic transport properties.
- The 3D-printed reinforcements demonstrated biocompatibility with fibroblasts.
- The integrated system showed potential for enhanced ion transport, amplifying piezoelectric effects.
Conclusions:
- A stent-inspired approach successfully reinforced piezoelectric PVDF-TrFE nerve guidance conduits using 3D-printed polymer lattices.
- The developed platform offers tunable mechanical support and facilitates ion transport, crucial for peripheral nerve regeneration.
- This work presents a material-level proof-of-concept for advanced piezoelectric conduit systems.
