Dusty-Plasma-Assisted Synthesis of Silica Nanoparticles for in Situ Surface Modification of 3D-Printed Polymer Scaffolds

Abstract

We report a rapid and easy method for the synthesis of silica nanoparticles (SiNps) from a liquid precursor. Specifically, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of a very small amount of a liquid precursor, tetraethoxysilane (300 μL), for a very short exposure time (5 min) resulted in the generation of dusty plasma of SiNps with a narrow size distribution. The prepared SiNps were systematically characterized with various analytical techniques. Furthermore, this method was found to modify the surface of the 3D-printed polyester scaffold with SiNps in a very quick and efficient manner.

Plasma Electroless Reduction: A Green Process for Designing Metallic Nanostructure Interfaces onto Polymeric Surfaces and 3D Scaffolds

“…Therefore, to better test the capability of the PER process to uniformly modify the surface of a 3D scaffold, we manufactured a more complex 3D printed PLA scaffold that has a rectangular pore geometry. 23 SEM images showing the top and cross-sectional areas were taken for the AgNP-and AuNP-modified scaffolds. The SEM images confirmed the presence of AgNPs on both the top and cross-sectional areas of the cut scaffold (Figure S7).…”

“…The honeycomb PLA designs which were previously used for the initial characterization studies were simple and only contained unidirectional pores that did not serve specific purposes. Therefore, to better test the capability of the PER process to uniformly modify the surface of a 3D scaffold, we manufactured a more complex 3D printed PLA scaffold that has a rectangular pore geometry . SEM images showing the top and cross-sectional areas were taken for the AgNP- and AuNP-modified scaffolds.…”

“…The original PLA scaffolds were designed using SolidWorks 2019–2020 software and were characterized by a hexagonal honeycomb 8 mm in height, 15 mm in width, and 30 mm in length with a rectangular pore sized at 850 μm. The rectangular pore structure was designed and printed as reported previously . Smaller 3D PLA scaffold wafers, having a dimension of 5.85 mm diameter and 1 mm height, exactly fit inside the well of a 96-well plate and were also designed using SolidWorks.…”

“…The rectangular pore structure was designed and printed as reported previously. 23 Smaller 3D PLA scaffold wafers, having a dimension of 5.85 mm diameter and 1 mm height, exactly fit inside the well of a 96-well plate and were also designed using SolidWorks. A FlashForge Creator Max Dual Extruder 3D Printer (Manufacturer-FlashForge USA) was used for all the 3D printing processes.…”

Robust and Eco-Friendly Superhydrophobic Starch Nanohybrid Materials with Engineered Lotus Leaf Mimetic Multiscale Hierarchical Structures

“…FTIR spectroscopy of the SNPs showed characteristic peaks of silica at 455 cm −1 due to Si−O rocking vibrations, 799 cm −1 due to Si−O symmetric stretching vibrations, 956 cm −1 due to Si−OH stretching vibrations, and 1057 cm −1 associated with Si−O asymmetric stretching vibrations. 41,42 For the VTES, absorption peaks at 2886 and 2975 cm −1 correspond to the stretching vibrations of −CH 3 and −CH 2 . The absence of these absorption bands in the V-SNP spectrum indicated the successful condensation of the VTES to the surface of the SNPs.…”