title: 3D Printing of Biocompatible Supramolecular Polymers and their Composites.
abstract: A series of polymers capable of self-assembling into infinite networks via supramolecular interactions have been designed, synthesized, and characterized for use in 3D printing applications. The biocompatible polymers and their composites with silica nanoparticles were successfully utilized to deposit both simple cubic structures, as well as a more complex twisted pyramidal feature. The polymers were found to be not toxic to a chondrogenic cell line, according to ISO 10993-5 and 10993-12 standard tests and the cells attached to the supramolecular polymers as demonstrated by confocal microscopy. Silica nanoparticles were then dispersed within the polymer matrix, yielding a composite material which was optimized for inkjet printing. The hybrid material showed promise in preliminary tests to facilitate the 3D deposition of a more complex structure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Reading , Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AD, U.K.
authors.forename: Lewis R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials, Imperial College London , South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2BP, U.K.
authors.forename: Siwei
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Nottingham , University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, U.K.
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sturgess
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Nottingham , University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, U.K.
authors.forename: Ricky
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wildman
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials, Imperial College London , South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2BP, U.K.
authors.forename: Julian R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Reading , Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AD, U.K.
authors.forename: Wayne
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hayes
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D062028:Bioprinting; D006801:Humans; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers; D012822:Silicon Dioxide
keywords: 3D printing; additive Manufacturing; biocompatible; inkjet; self-assembly; supramolecular