Photopolymerizable green composite biomaterials for potential 3D printing applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Sustainable Manufacturing

Background:

• Petroleum resources are depleting, increasing environmental pollution.
• Green composite biomaterials (GCBs) offer renewable, biocompatible, and biodegradable alternatives.
• Vat photopolymerization (VPP) 3D printing is a green manufacturing technique with reduced waste and solvent-free processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent progress in combining GCBs and VPP 3D printing.
• To highlight the development of novel photoinitiators and functional GCBs.
• To outline a roadmap for sustainable photopolymer composites in practical applications.

Main Methods:

• Development of novel photoinitiators for VPP.
• Rational design strategies for functional GCBs.
• Incorporation of biobased nanofillers to enhance properties.

Main Results:

• GCBs demonstrate potential as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based materials.
• VPP 3D printing offers an eco-friendly manufacturing pathway.
• Functional GCBs exhibit self-healing capacity, enhanced mechanical performance, and bio-functionalities.

Conclusions:

• Combining GCBs and VPP 3D printing establishes a synergistic pathway toward a green circular model.
• Advances in photoinitiators, GCB design, and nanofillers pave the way for practical applications.
• This approach offers a sustainable roadmap for biomedical engineering and other fields.