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Light-Based 3D Printing of Polyesters: From Synthesis to Fabrication.
Quinten Thijssen1, Astrid Quaak1, Bart Bijleveld1
1Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 291, 9000 Gent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium.
Chemical Reviews
|December 23, 2025
Summary
Light-based 3D printing of polyesters offers precise fabrication for applications like tissue engineering. This review details material synthesis, functionalization, and photoresin formulation for advanced material design.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science and Engineering
- Biomaterials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Polyesters are versatile materials with applications in tissue engineering, biomedical devices, sustainable manufacturing, and soft robotics due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and tunable mechanical properties.
- Light-based 3D printing enhances polyester applications by enabling precise fabrication of complex structures like resorbable implants and drug-delivery systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- This review comprehensively discusses the synthesis and functionalization strategies for creating polyesters suitable for light-based 3D printing.
- It examines how polyester origin, photoreactive group incorporation, and photoresin formulation impact photoreactivity, degradation, print resolution, and mechanical performance.
- The review also evaluates the advantages and limitations of current photochemical approaches across various light-based 3D printing technologies.
Main Methods:
- Review of synthetic strategies for polyester production.
- Analysis of functionalization methods for incorporating photoreactive groups.
- Examination of photoresin formulation and its influence on material properties.
- Discussion of different light-based 3D printing technologies and their photochemical approaches.
Main Results:
- Successful light-based 3D printing of polyesters requires careful control over material synthesis, photoreactive group integration, and photoresin composition.
- The choice of polyester origin and the method of introducing photoreactive moieties significantly influence the final material's performance and printability.
- Current photochemical methods offer distinct advantages and limitations depending on the specific 3D printing technology employed.
Conclusions:
- Light-based 3D printing of polyesters is a rapidly advancing field with significant potential to redefine material design.
- Optimizing polyester synthesis, functionalization, and photoresin formulation is key to unlocking advanced applications in biomedical engineering and beyond.
- Continued innovation in manufacturing processes promises to expand the capabilities and impact of 3D printed polyesters.
