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Wei K, Tang C, Ma H, Fang X, Yang R. 3D-printed microrobots for biomedical applications. Biomater Sci 2024. [PMID: 39041236 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00674g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Microrobots, which can perform tasks in difficult-to-reach parts of the human body under their own or external power supply, are potential tools for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, microsurgery, imaging and monitoring, tissue engineering, and sensors and actuators. Compared with traditional fabrication methods for microrobots, recent improvements in 3D printers enable them to print high-precision microrobots, breaking through the limitations of traditional micromanufacturing technologies that require high skills for operators and greatly shortening the design-to-production cycle. Here, this review first introduces typical 3D printing technologies used in microrobot manufacturing. Then, the structures of microrobots with different functions and application scenarios are discussed. Next, we summarize the materials (body materials, propulsion materials and intelligent materials) used in 3D microrobot manufacturing to complete body construction and realize biomedical applications (e.g., drug delivery, imaging and monitoring). Finally, the challenges and future prospects of 3D printed microrobots in biomedical applications are discussed in terms of materials, manufacturing and advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, 3D-Printing and Tissue Engineering Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Chenlong Tang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, 3D-Printing and Tissue Engineering Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Hui Ma
- School of Biomedical Engineering, 3D-Printing and Tissue Engineering Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Xingmiao Fang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, 3D-Printing and Tissue Engineering Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Runhuai Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, 3D-Printing and Tissue Engineering Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Choudhury S, Joshi A, Baghel VS, Ananthasuresh GK, Asthana S, Homer-Vanniasinkam S, Chatterjee K. Design-encoded dual shape-morphing and shape-memory in 4D printed polymer parts toward cellularized vascular grafts. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:5678-5689. [PMID: 38747702 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00437j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Current additive manufacturing technologies wherein as-printed simple two-dimensional (2D) structures morph into complex tissue mimetic three-dimensional (3D) shapes are limited to multi-material hydrogel systems, which necessitates multiple fabrication steps and specific materials. This work utilizes a single shape memory thermoplastic polymer (SMP), PLMC (polylactide-co-trimethylene carbonate), to achieve programmable shape deformation through anisotropic design and infill angles encoded during 3D printing. The shape changes were first computationally predicted through finite element analysis (FEA) simulations and then experimentally validated through quantitative correlation. Rectangular 2D sheets could self-roll into complete hollow tubes of specific diameters (ranging from ≈6 mm to ≈10 mm) and lengths (as long as 40 mm), as quantitatively predicted from FEA simulations within one minute at relatively lower temperatures (≈80 °C). Furthermore, shape memory properties were demonstrated post-shape change to exhibit dual shape morphing at temperatures close to physiological levels. The tubes (retained as the permanent shape) were deformed into flat sheets (temporary shape), seeded with endothelial cells (at T < Tg), and thereafter triggered at ≈37 °C back into tubes (permanent shape), utilizing the shape memory properties to yield bioresorbable tubes with cellularized lumens for potential use as vascular grafts with improved long-term patency. Additionally, out-of-plane bending and twisting deformation were demonstrated in complex structures by careful control of infill angles that can unprecedently expand the scope of cellularized biomimetic 3D shapes. This work demonstrates the potential of the combination of shape morphing and SMP behaviors at physiological temperatures to yield next-generation smart implants with precise control over dimensions for tissue repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saswat Choudhury
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, C.V. Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560012, India.
| | - Akshat Joshi
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, C.V. Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560012, India.
| | - Vageesh Singh Baghel
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, C.V. Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - G K Ananthasuresh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, C.V. Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Sonal Asthana
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, C.V. Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560012, India
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Multi-Organ Transplantation Surgery, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, 560024, India
| | - Shervanthi Homer-Vanniasinkam
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, C.V. Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560012, India
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Division of Surgery, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kaushik Chatterjee
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, C.V. Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560012, India.
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, C.V. Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560012, India
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Zhang J, Liu S, Wang X, Zhang X, Hu X, Zhang L, Sun Q, Liu X. 4D Printable liquid crystal elastomers with restricted nanointerfacial slippage for long-term-cyclic-stability photothermal actuation. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:2483-2493. [PMID: 38477135 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh02230g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) blended with photothermal nanofillers can reversibly and rapidly deform their shapes under external optical stimuli. However, nanointerfacial slipping inevitably occurs between the LCE molecules and the nanofillers due to their weak physical interactions, eventually resulting in cyclic instability. This work presents a versatile strategy to fabricate nanointerfacial-slipping-restricted photoactuation elastomers by chemically bonding the nanofillers into a thermally actuatable liquid crystal network. We experimentally and theoretically investigated three types of metal-based nanofillers, including zero-dimensional (0D) nanoparticles, one-dimensional (1D) nanowires, and two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets. The toughly crosslinked nanointerface allows for remarkably promoted interfacial thermal conductivity and stress transfer. Therefore, the resultant actuators enable the realization of long-term-cyclic-stability 4D-printed flexible intelligent systems such as the optical gripper, crawling robot, light-powered self-sustained windmill, butterflies with fluttering wings, and intelligent solar energy collection system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juzhong Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis, Optimization and CAE Software for Industrial Equipment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Shuiren Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis, Optimization and CAE Software for Industrial Equipment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Xianghong Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis, Optimization and CAE Software for Industrial Equipment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis, Optimization and CAE Software for Industrial Equipment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Xiaoguang Hu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis, Optimization and CAE Software for Industrial Equipment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Linlin Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis, Optimization and CAE Software for Industrial Equipment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Qingqing Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis, Optimization and CAE Software for Industrial Equipment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Xuying Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis, Optimization and CAE Software for Industrial Equipment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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Palanisamy S. Exploring the Horizons of Four-Dimensional Printing Technology in Dentistry. Cureus 2024; 16:e58572. [PMID: 38770499 PMCID: PMC11102886 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58572] [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] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In dentistry, the integration of additive manufacturing, particularly 3D printing, has marked significant progress. However, the emergence of 4D printing, which allows materials to change shape dynamically in response to stimuli, opens up new avenues for innovation. This review sheds light on recent advancements and potential applications of 4D printing in dentistry, delving into the fundamental principles and materials involved. It emphasizes the versatility of shape-changing polymers and composites, highlighting their ability to adapt dynamically. Furthermore, the review explores the challenges and opportunities in integrating 4D printing into dental practice, including the customization of dental prosthetics, orthodontic devices, and drug delivery systems and also probing into the potential benefits of utilizing stimuli-responsive materials to improve patient comfort, treatment outcomes, and overall efficiency and the review discusses current limitations and future directions, emphasizing the importance of standardized fabrication techniques, biocompatible materials, and regulatory considerations. Owing to its diverse applications and advantages, 4D printing technology is poised to transform multiple facets of dental practice, thereby fostering the development of healthcare solutions that are more tailored, effective, and centered around patient needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sucharitha Palanisamy
- Periodontics and Oral Implantology, Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, IND
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Mahjoubnia A, Cai D, Wu Y, King SD, Torkian P, Chen AC, Talaie R, Chen SY, Lin J. Digital light 4D printing of bioresorbable shape memory elastomers for personalized biomedical implantation. Acta Biomater 2024; 177:165-177. [PMID: 38354873 PMCID: PMC10948293 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Four-dimensional (4D) printing unlocks new potentials for personalized biomedical implantation, but still with hurdles of lacking suitable materials. Herein, we demonstrate a bioresorbable shape memory elastomer (SME) with high elasticity at both below and above its phase transition temperature (Ttrans). This SME can be digital light 3D printed by co-polymerizing glycerol dodecanoate acrylate prepolymer (pre-PGDA) with acrylic acid monomer to form crosslinked Poly(glycerol dodecanoate acrylate) (PGDA)-Polyacrylic acid (PAA), or PGDA-PAA network. The printed complex, free-standing 3D structures with high-resolution features exhibit shape programming properties at a physiological temperature. By tuning the pre-PGDA weight ratios between 55 wt% and 70 wt%, Ttrans varies between 39.2 and 47.2 ℃ while Young's moduli (E) range 40-170 MPa below Ttrans with fractural strain (εf) of 170 %-200 %. Above Ttrans, E drops to 1-1.82 MPa which is close to those of soft tissue. Strikingly, εf of 130-180 % is still maintained. In vitro biocompatibility test on the material shows > 90 % cell proliferation and great cell attachment. In vivo vascular grafting trials underline the geometrical and mechanical adaptability of these 4D printed constructs in regenerating the aorta tissue. Biodegradation of the implants shows the possibility of their full replacement by natural tissue over time. To highlight its potential for personalized medicine, a patient-specific left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder was printed and implanted endovascularly into an in vitro heart model. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: 4D printed shape-memory elastomer (SME) implants particularly designed and manufactured for a patient are greatly sought-after in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Traditional shape-memory polymers used in these implants often suffer from issues like unsuitable transition temperatures, poor biocompatibility, limited 3D design complexity, and low toughness, making them unsuitable for MIS. Our new SME, with an adjustable transition temperature and enhanced toughness, is both biocompatible and naturally degradable, particularly in cardiovascular contexts. This allows implants, like biomedical scaffolds, to be programmed at room temperature and then adapt to the body's physiological conditions post-implantation. Our studies, including in vivo vascular grafts and in vitro device implantation, highlight the SME's effectiveness in aortic tissue regeneration and its promising applications in MIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Mahjoubnia
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA
| | - Dunpeng Cai
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA
| | - Yuchao Wu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA
| | - Skylar D King
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA
| | - Pooya Torkian
- Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, USA
| | - Andy C Chen
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA; North Oconee High School, Bogart, GA 30622, USA
| | - Reza Talaie
- Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, USA
| | - Shi-You Chen
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA.
| | - Jian Lin
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA.
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King O, Pérez-Madrigal MM, Murphy ER, Hmayed AAR, Dove AP, Weems AC. 4D Printable Salicylic Acid Photopolymers for Sustained Drug Releasing, Shape Memory, Soft Tissue Scaffolds. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:4680-4694. [PMID: 37747816 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
3D printing of pharmaceuticals offers a unique opportunity for long-term, sustained drug release profiles for an array of treatment options. Unfortunately, this approach is often limited by physical compounding or processing limitations. Modification of the active drug into a prodrug compound allows for seamless incorporation with advanced manufacturing methods that open the door to production of complex tissue scaffold drug depots. Here we demonstrate this concept using salicylic acids with varied prodrug structures for control of physical and chemical properties. The role of different salicylic acid derivatives (salicylic acid, bromosalicylic allyl ester, iodosalicylic allyl ester) and linker species (allyl salicylate, allyl 2-(allyloxy)benzoate, allyl 2-(((allyloxy)carbonyl)oxy)benzoate) were investigated using thiol-ene cross-linking in digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing to produce porous prodrug tissue scaffolds containing more than 50% salicylic acid by mass. Salicylic acid photopolymer resins were all found to be highly reactive (solidification within 5 s of irradiation at λ = 405 nm), while the cross-linked solids display tunable thermomechanical behaviors with low glass transition temperatures (Tgs) and elastomeric behaviors, with the carbonate species displaying an elastic modulus matching that of adipose tissue (approximately 65 kPa). Drug release profiles were found to be zero order, sustained release based upon hydrolytic degradation of multilayered scaffolds incorporating fluorescent modeling compounds, with release rates tuned through selection of the linker species. Cytocompatibility in 2D and 3D was further demonstrated for all species compared to polycarbonate controls, as well as salicylic acid-containing composites (physical incorporation), over a 2-week period using murine fibroblasts. The use of drugs as the matrix material for solid prodrug tissue scaffolds opens the door to novel therapeutic strategies, longer sustained release profiles, and even reduced complications for advanced medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia King
- Biomedical Engineering, Russ College of Engineering, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, United States
| | - Maria M Pérez-Madrigal
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Campus Diagonal Besòs (EEBE), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, C/Eduard Maristany, 10-14, 08019, Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Research Center for Multiscale Science and Engineering, Campus Diagonal Besòs (EEBE), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, C/Eduard Maristany, 10-14, 08019, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Erin R Murphy
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, United States
- Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, United States
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, United States
| | | | - Andrew P Dove
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Andrew C Weems
- Biomedical Engineering, Russ College of Engineering, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, United States
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, United States
- Mechanical Engineering, Russ College of Engineering, Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, United States
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