Recent Advances in 3D Printing of Photocurable Polymers: Types, Mechanism, and Tissue Engineering Application

Abstract

The conversion of liquid resin into solid structures upon exposure to light of a specific wavelength is known as photopolymerization. In recent years, photopolymerization‐based 3D printing has gained enormous attention for constructing complex tissue‐specific constructs. Due to the economic and environmental benefits of the biopolymers employed, photo‐curable 3D printing is considered an alternative method for replacing damaged tissues. However, the lack of suitable bio‐based photopolymers, their characterization, effective crosslinking strategies, and optimal printing conditions are hindering the extensive application of 3D printed materials in the global market. This review highlights the present status of various photopolymers, their synthesis, and their optimization parameters for biomedical applications. Moreover, a glimpse of various photopolymerization techniques currently employed for 3D printing is also discussed. Furthermore, various naturally derived nanomaterials reinforced polymerization and their influence on printability and shape fidelity are also reviewed. Finally, the ultimate use of those photopolymerized hydrogel scaffolds in tissue engineering is also discussed. Taken together, it is believed that photopolymerized 3D printing has a great future, whereas conventional 3D printing requires considerable sophistication, and this review can provide readers with a comprehensive approach to developing light‐mediated 3D printing for tissue‐engineering applications.

Vat photopolymerization-based 3D printing of polymer nanocomposites: current trends and applications

“…Briefly, the photoinitiators convert the physical energy of the incident light source into chemical energy. 67,69,71…”

“…A photoinitiator catalyst initiates the reaction by generating cations after being exposed to a light source. 69,71…”

“…Briey, the photoinitiators convert the physical energy of the incident light source into chemical energy. 67,69,71 Additives improve the performance of photopolymer resins. Some common additives include diluents, sensitizers, pigments, and inhibitors.…”

“…A photoinitiator catalyst initiates the reaction by generating cations aer being exposed to a light source. 69,71 4.2.3 Challenges in vat photopolymerization-based resins. The early US Patents on acrylate resin were published in the early 90s.…”

Application of 3D Printing in Bone Grafts

“… Tissue engineering: 3D printing is being used to create functional tissue and organs for use in transplants. Researchers are using 3D printing to create structures that mimic the complex architecture of human tissues, with the goal of eventually being able to print functional replacements for damaged or diseased organs [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ]. Bioprinting is currently in its early stages, but due to the significant effort put into research real progress is being made [ 39 , 40 , 41 ].…”