Porous cage-derived nanomaterial inks for direct and internal three-dimensional printing

Abstract

The convergence of 3D printing techniques and nanomaterials is generating a compelling opportunity space to create advanced materials with multiscale structural control and hierarchical functionalities. While most nanoparticles consist of a dense material, less attention has been payed to 3D printing of nanoparticles with intrinsic porosity. Here, we combine ultrasmall (about 10 nm) silica nanocages with digital light processing technique for the direct 3D printing of hierarchically porous parts with arbitrary shapes, as well as tunable internal structures and high surface area. Thanks to the versatile and orthogonal cage surface modifications, we show how this approach can be applied for the implementation and positioning of functionalities throughout 3D printed objects. Furthermore, taking advantage of the internal porosity of the printed parts, an internal printing approach is proposed for the localized deposition of a guest material within a host matrix, enabling complex 3D material designs.

Bioprinting and regeneration of auricular cartilage using a bioactive bioink based on microporous photocrosslinkable acellular cartilage matrix

“…The dense texture of the crosslinked hydrogel will hinder the exchange of nutrients and metabolic waste, which in turn will affect the formation of internal cartilage tissue [ 50 ]. To solve this dilemma, PEO, a nontoxic and water-soluble bioinert polymer [ 31 , 32 ], was introduced as a porogen that allows for the generation of micropores in bioink.…”

High Precision 3D Printing for Micro to Nano Scale Biomedical and Electronic Devices

“…The microstructure proved to be superior in cellular behavior in comparison to non-microporous structures [193]. Porous structures portray an interconnected network of material which can alter the transport pathways within a printed structure [194]. Aubert et al reported novelty digital light processing of mesoporous multi-materials which avoids the calcification step that is required in the extrusion printing process of mesoporous structures.…”

“…Aubert et al reported novelty digital light processing of mesoporous multi-materials which avoids the calcification step that is required in the extrusion printing process of mesoporous structures. The methodology is additionally advantageous as the direct printing of mesopores enabled pore accessibility and control over the internal structure [194]. The challenge remains in producing sub-micrometer scale features as part of a larger polymer-based design, however combined digital light process-ing with polymerization induced phase separation to manufacture macroscopic polymer objects with a controlled inherent nano porosity is an alternative method for biomedical applications [195].…”

Tailoring thermal insulation architectures from additive manufacturing

“…Additive manufacturing prototypes highly customized objects with complex geometry and programmable structures 1 – 4 , while the bottom-up control from modular building blocks enables additively manufactured architectures exhibiting technically important functionalities 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 . Nanoscale porous building blocks, the outstanding attributes of large surface areas, high porosity, and low density, regulate thermal transport in the architectured structures within the mean free path of air particles (Knudsen effect), holding great promise for a range of thermal management technologies.…”