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Varan C, Aksüt D, Şen M, Bilensoy E. Design and Characterization of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel Loaded PCL Filaments for 3D Printed Controlled Release Intrauterine Implants. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041154. [PMID: 37111639 PMCID: PMC10146591 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. Despite various chemotherapy approaches, the desired effect has not yet been achieved. The main reason is each patient responds differently to standard treatment protocols. The production of personalized drugs and/or drug-loaded implants is not possible in today’s pharmaceutical industry; 3D printers allow for the rapid and flexible preparation of personalized drug-loaded implants. However, the key point is the preparation of drug-loaded working material such as filament for 3D printers. In this study, two different anticancer (paclitaxel, carboplatin) drug-loaded PCL filaments with a 1.75 mm diameter were prepared with a hot-melt extruder. To optimize the filament for a 3D printer, different PCL Mn, cyclodextrins and different formulation parameters were tried, and a series of characterization studies of filaments were conducted. The encapsulation efficiency, drug release profile and in vitro cell culture studies have shown that 85% of loaded drugs retain their effectiveness, provide a controlled release for 10 days and cause a decrease in cell viability of over 60%. In conclusion, it is possible to prepare optimum dual anticancer drug-loaded filaments for FDM 3D printers. Drug-eluting personalized intra-uterine devices can be designed for the treatment of uterine cancer by using these filaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cem Varan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Davut Aksüt
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Murat Şen
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- Polymer Science and Technology Division, Institute of Science Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Erem Bilensoy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
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Bang J, Kim JH, Park SW, Kim J, Jung M, Jung S, Kim JC, Choi IG, Kwak HW. Effect of chemically modified lignin addition on the physicochemical properties of PCL nanofibers. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 240:124330. [PMID: 37023881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a chemically modified lignin additive was successfully prepared to improve the physicochemical properties of biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL)-based nanofibers. The molecular weight and surface functional group characteristics of lignin were effectively controlled through a solvent fractionation process using ethanol. Then, PCL-g-lignin was successfully synthesized by using ethanol-fractionated lignin as a platform for the PCL grafting process. Finally, PCL/PCL-g-lignin composite nanofibers were simply prepared by adding PCL-g-lignin to the PCL doping solution and performing a solution blow spinning process. The addition of PCL-g-lignin could dramatically improve the physical and chemical properties of PCL nanofibers, and in particular, the tensile strength (0.28 MPa) increased by approximately 280 % compared to the conventional PCL. In addition, the lignin moiety present in PCL-g-lignin was able to impart UV blocking properties to PCL nanofibers, and as a result, it was possible to effectively suppress the photolysis phenomenon that occurred rapidly in existing PCL nanofibers. Therefore, PCL-g-lignin may be widely used not only as a reinforcing agent of existing biodegradable nanofibers but also as a functional additive for UV protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsik Bang
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Jong-Hwa Kim
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Sang-Woo Park
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Jungkyu Kim
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Minjung Jung
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Seungoh Jung
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Jong Chan Kim
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - In-Gyu Choi
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea; Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Hyo Won Kwak
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea; Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea.
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Cordeiro R, Alvites RD, Sousa AC, Lopes B, Sousa P, Maurício AC, Alves N, Moura C. Cellulose-Based Scaffolds: A Comparative Study for Potential Application in Articular Cartilage. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15030781. [PMID: 36772083 PMCID: PMC9919712 DOI: 10.3390/polym15030781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent disease worldwide that leads to cartilage loss. Tissue engineering, involving scaffolds, cells, and stimuli, has shown to be a promising strategy for its repair. Thus, this study aims to manufacture and characterise different scaffolds with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with commercial cellulose (microcrystalline (McC) and methyl cellulose (MC) or cellulose from agro-industrial residues (corncob (CcC)) and at different percentages, 1%, 2%, and 3%. PCL scaffolds were used as a control. Morphologically, the produced scaffolds presented porosities within the desired for cell incorporation (57% to 65%). When submitted to mechanical tests, the incorporation of cellulose affects the compression resistance of the majority of scaffolds. Regarding tensile strength, McC2% showed the highest values. It was proven that all manufactured scaffolds suffered degradation after 7 days of testing because of enzymatic reactions. This degradation may be due to the dissolution of PCL in the organic solvent. Biological tests revealed that PCL, CcC1%, and McC3% are the best materials to combine with human dental pulp stem/stromal cells. Overall, results suggest that cellulose incorporation in PCL scaffolds promotes cellular adhesion/proliferation. Methyl cellulose scaffolds demonstrated some advantageous compressive properties (closer to native cartilaginous tissue) to proceed to further studies for application in cartilage repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Cordeiro
- Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2430-028 Marinha Grande, Portugal
- Veterinary Clinics Department, Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, No. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui D. Alvites
- Veterinary Clinics Department, Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, No. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Animal Science Studies Centre (CECA), Agroenvironment, Technologies and Sciences Institute (ICETA), University of Porto, Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana C. Sousa
- Veterinary Clinics Department, Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, No. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Animal Science Studies Centre (CECA), Agroenvironment, Technologies and Sciences Institute (ICETA), University of Porto, Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Bruna Lopes
- Veterinary Clinics Department, Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, No. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Animal Science Studies Centre (CECA), Agroenvironment, Technologies and Sciences Institute (ICETA), University of Porto, Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Sousa
- Veterinary Clinics Department, Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, No. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Animal Science Studies Centre (CECA), Agroenvironment, Technologies and Sciences Institute (ICETA), University of Porto, Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana C. Maurício
- Veterinary Clinics Department, Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, No. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Animal Science Studies Centre (CECA), Agroenvironment, Technologies and Sciences Institute (ICETA), University of Porto, Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno Alves
- Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2430-028 Marinha Grande, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Advanced Production and Intelligent Systems (ARISE), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (N.A.); (C.M.); Tel.: +351-244569441 (C.M.)
| | - Carla Moura
- Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2430-028 Marinha Grande, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Advanced Production and Intelligent Systems (ARISE), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Applied Research Institute (i2A), Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Rua da Misericórdia, Lagar dos Cortiços–S. Martinho do Bispo, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: (N.A.); (C.M.); Tel.: +351-244569441 (C.M.)
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Corncob Cellulose Scaffolds: A New Sustainable Temporary Implant for Cartilage Replacement. J Funct Biomater 2022; 13:jfb13020063. [PMID: 35645271 PMCID: PMC9149862 DOI: 10.3390/jfb13020063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering using scaffolds is a promising strategy to repair damaged articular cartilage, whose self-repair is inefficient. Cellulose properties have been recognized for their application in the biomedical field. The aim of this study was to fabricate and characterize novel scaffolds based on poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and sustainable cellulose. Thus, the performance of corncob-derived cellulose (CC) in scaffolds as an alternative to wood cellulose (WC) was also investigated to reduce the environmental footprint. Two concentrations of CC in scaffolds were tested, 1% and 2% (w/w), and commercial WC using the same concentrations, as a control. Morphologically, all the developed scaffolds presented pore sizes of ~300 µm, 10 layers, a circular shape and well-dispersed cellulose. Thus, all of these characteristics and properties provide the manufactured scaffolds suitable for use in cartilage-replacement strategies. The use of 2% CC results in higher porosity (54.24%), which promotes cell infiltration/migration and nutrient exchange, and has similar mechanical properties to WC. As for the effects of enzymatic degradation of the scaffolds, no significant changes (p > 0.05) were observed in resistance over time. However, the obtained compressive modulus of the scaffold with 2% CC was similar to that of WC. Overall, our results suggest that the integration of 2% corncob cellulose in PCL scaffolds could be a novel way to replace wood-cellulose-containing scaffolds, highlighting its potential for cartilage-replacement strategies.
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Hu J, Gu R, Mi HY, Jing X, Antwi-Afari MF, Dong B, Liu C, Shen C. Self-Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane Wrinkled Foams with High Energy Absorption Realized by Gas Cooling Assisted Supercritical CO 2 Foaming. Ind Eng Chem Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.2c00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiashun Hu
- National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing & Mold of Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ruixing Gu
- National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing & Mold of Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Hao-Yang Mi
- National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing & Mold of Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Packaging Materials and Technology of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Xin Jing
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Packaging Materials and Technology of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | | | - Binbin Dong
- National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing & Mold of Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chuntai Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing & Mold of Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Changyu Shen
- National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, The Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing & Mold of Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
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Ilyas RA, Zuhri MYM, Norrrahim MNF, Misenan MSM, Jenol MA, Samsudin SA, Nurazzi NM, Asyraf MRM, Supian ABM, Bangar SP, Nadlene R, Sharma S, Omran AAB. Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polycaprolactone Green and Hybrid Biocomposites for Various Advanced Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:182. [PMID: 35012203 PMCID: PMC8747341 DOI: 10.3390/polym14010182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent developments within the topic of biomaterials has taken hold of researchers due to the mounting concern of current environmental pollution as well as scarcity resources. Amongst all compatible biomaterials, polycaprolactone (PCL) is deemed to be a great potential biomaterial, especially to the tissue engineering sector, due to its advantages, including its biocompatibility and low bioactivity exhibition. The commercialization of PCL is deemed as infant technology despite of all its advantages. This contributed to the disadvantages of PCL, including expensive, toxic, and complex. Therefore, the shift towards the utilization of PCL as an alternative biomaterial in the development of biocomposites has been exponentially increased in recent years. PCL-based biocomposites are unique and versatile technology equipped with several importance features. In addition, the understanding on the properties of PCL and its blend is vital as it is influenced by the application of biocomposites. The superior characteristics of PCL-based green and hybrid biocomposites has expanded their applications, such as in the biomedical field, as well as in tissue engineering and medical implants. Thus, this review is aimed to critically discuss the characteristics of PCL-based biocomposites, which cover each mechanical and thermal properties and their importance towards several applications. The emergence of nanomaterials as reinforcement agent in PCL-based biocomposites was also a tackled issue within this review. On the whole, recent developments of PCL as a potential biomaterial in recent applications is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. A. Ilyas
- School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor Bahru 81310, Johor, Malaysia;
- Centre for Advanced Composite Materials (CACM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor Bahru 81310, Johor, Malaysia
| | - M. Y. M. Zuhri
- Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia;
- Advanced Engineering Materials and Composites Research Centre (AEMC), Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Nor Faiz Norrrahim
- Research Center for Chemical Defence, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Muhammad Syukri Mohamad Misenan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science, Davutpasa Campus, Yildiz Technical University, Esenler, Istanbul 34220, Turkey;
| | - Mohd Azwan Jenol
- Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Sani Amril Samsudin
- School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor Bahru 81310, Johor, Malaysia;
| | - N. M. Nurazzi
- Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - M. R. M. Asyraf
- Institute of Energy Infrastructure, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Jalan IKRAM-UNITEN, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - A. B. M. Supian
- Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia;
| | - Sneh Punia Bangar
- Department of Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631, USA;
| | - R. Nadlene
- Fakulti Kejuruteraan Mekanikal, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka 76100, Malaysia;
| | - Shubham Sharma
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar 144001, India;
| | - Abdoulhdi A. Borhana Omran
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Jalan Ikram-Uniten, Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering Science & Technology, Sebha University, Sabha 00218, Libya
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Experimental Analysis of the Enzymatic Degradation of Polycaprolactone: Microcrystalline Cellulose Composites and Numerical Method for the Prediction of the Degraded Geometry. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14092460. [PMID: 34068502 PMCID: PMC8125986 DOI: 10.3390/ma14092460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The degradation rate of polycaprolactone (PCL) is a key issue when using this material in Tissue Engineering or eco-friendly packaging sectors. Although different PCL-based composite materials have been suggested in the literature and extensively tested in terms of processability by material extrusion additive manufacturing, little attention has been paid to the influence of the fillers on the mechanical properties of the material during degradation. This work analyses the possibility of tuning the degradation rate of PCL-based filaments by the introduction of microcrystalline cellulose into the polymer matrix. The enzymatic degradation of the composite and pure PCL materials were compared in terms of mass loss, mechanical properties, morphology and infrared spectra. The results showed an increased degradation rate of the composite material due to the presence of the filler (enhanced interaction with the enzymes). Additionally, a new numerical method for the prediction of the degraded geometry was developed. The method, based on the Monte Carlo Method in an iterative process, adjusts the degradation probability according to the exposure of each discretized element to the degradation media. This probability is also amplified depending on the corresponding experimental mass loss, thus allowing a good fit to the experimental data in relatively few iterations.
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Wang Y, Wang Y, Mei D, Yu Z, Xue D. Standing surface acoustic wave-assisted fabrication of patterned microstructures for enhancing cell migration. Biodes Manuf 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42242-020-00071-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Zhou LY, Gao Q, Fu JZ, Chen QY, Zhu JP, Sun Y, He Y. Multimaterial 3D Printing of Highly Stretchable Silicone Elastomers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:23573-23583. [PMID: 31184459 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b04873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
3D printing of silicone elastomers with the direct ink writing (DIW) process has demonstrated great potential in areas as diverse as flexible electronics, medical devices, and soft robotics. However, most of current silicones are not printable because of their low viscosity and long curing time. The lack of systematic research on materials, devices, and processes during printing makes it a huge challenge to apply the DIW process more deeply and widely. In this report, aiming at the dilemmas in materials, devices, and processes, we proposed a comprehensive guide for printing highly stretchable silicone. Specifically, to improve the printability of silicone elastomers, nanosilica was added as a rheology modifier without sacrificing any stretching ability. To effectively control print speed and accuracy, a theoretical model was built and verified. With this strategy, silicone elastomers with different mechanical properties can all be printed and can realize infinite time and high speed printing (>25 mm/s) while maintaining accuracy. Here, super-stretchable silicone that can be stretched to 2000% was printed for the first time, and complex structures can be printed with high quality. For further demonstration, prosthetic nose, data glove capable of detecting fingers' movement, and artificial muscle that can lift objects were printed directly. We believe that this work could provide a guide for further work using the DIW process to print soft matters in a wide range of application scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jia-Pei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Design and Manufacturing for Vehicle Body , Changsha 410082 , China
| | | | - Yong He
- Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Mold, Ministry of Education , Zhengzhou University , Zhengzhou 450002 , China
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