Development of a Tunable Dextran-PCL Biomaterial Photoink for High-Resolution DLP 3D Printing in Biomedical...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Additive Manufacturing
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Digital Light Processing (DLP) offers high-speed, high-resolution 3D printing.
• Existing biomedical photoinks lack optimal biocompatibility, mechanical performance, and degradation control.
• There is a need for advanced photoinks for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel biomaterial photoink formulation for DLP 3D printing.
• To create a photoink balancing biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and controlled degradation using FDA-approved polymers.
• To optimize photoink composition and assess its properties for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Functionalization of dextran and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with photoreactive groups.
• Systematic optimization of photoink formulation parameters (polymer concentration, photoabsorber/initiator levels, light exposure).
• Characterization of printed structures' physicochemical, mechanical, and cytotoxic properties.

Main Results:

• Optimized photoink formulation demonstrated tunable properties based on polymer content.
• Increased PCL content improved mechanical strength and slowed degradation but impacted long-term cytocompatibility.
• Direct cytotoxicity tests showed good cytocompatibility within 3 days.
• The developed photoink enabled printing of complex geometries, including hollow structures.

Conclusions:

• A highly tunable biomaterial photoink was successfully developed for DLP 3D printing.
• The photoink offers a promising platform for creating customized biomedical devices.
• The formulation provides a good balance of printability, mechanical integrity, and biocompatibility.