3D Printing of Tough Hydrogel Scaffolds with Functional Surface Structures for Tissue Regeneration

Hydrogel scaffolds have numerous potential applications in the tissue engineering field.However,tough hydrogel scaffolds implanted in vivo are seldom reported because it is difficult to balance biocompatibility and high mechanical properties.Inspired by Chinese ramen,we propose a universal fabricating method(printing-P,training-T,cross-linking-C,PTC&PCT)for tough hydrogel scaffolds to fill this gap.First,3D printing fabricates a hydrogel scaffold with desired structures(P).Then,the scaffold could have extraordinarily high mechanical properties and functional surface structure by cycle mechanical training with salting-out assistance(T).Finally,the training results are fixed by photo-cross-linking processing(C).The tough gelatin hydrogel scaffolds exhibit excellent tensile strength of 6.66 MPa(622-fold untreated)and have excellent biocompatibility.Furthermore,this scaffold possesses functional surface structures from nanometer to micron to millimeter,which can efficiently induce directional cell growth.Interestingly,this strategy can produce bionic human tissue with mechanical properties of 10 kPa-10 MPa by changing the type of salt,and many hydrogels,such as gelatin and silk,could be improved with PTC or PCT strategies.Animal experiments show that this scaffold can effectively promote the new generation of muscle fibers,blood vessels,and nerves within 4 weeks,prompting the rapid regeneration of large-volume muscle loss injuries.

3D Printing of Periodic Porous Metamaterials for Tunable Electromagnetic Shielding Across Broad Frequencies

The new-generation electronic components require a balance between electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency and open structure factors such as ventilation and heat dissipation.In addition,realizing the tunable shielding of porous shields over a wide range of wavelengths is even more challenging.In this study,the well-prepared thermoplastic polyurethane/carbon nanotubes composites were used to fabricate the novel periodic porous flexible metamaterials using fused deposition modeling 3D printing.Particularly,the investigation focuses on optimization of pore geometry,size,dislocation configuration and material thickness,thus establishing a clear correlation between structural parameters and shielding property.Both experimental and simulation results have validated the superior shielding performance of hexagon derived honeycomb structure over other designs,and proposed the failure shielding size(D_(f)≈λ/8-λ/5)and critical inclined angle(θf≈43°-48°),which could be used as new benchmarks for tunable electromagnetic shielding.In addition,the proper regulation of the material thickness could remarkably enhance the maximum shielding capability(85-95 dB)and absorption coefficient A(over 0.83).The final innovative design of the porous shielding box also exhibits good shielding effectiveness across a broad frequency range(over 2.4 GHz),opening up novel pathways for individualized and diversified shielding solutions.

Polar-coordinate line-projection light-curing continuous 3D printing for tubular structures

3D printing techniques offer an effective method in fabricating complex radially multi-material structures.However,it is challenging for complex and delicate radially multi-material model geometries without supporting structures,such as tissue vessels and tubular graft,among others.In this work,we tackle these challenges by developing a polar digital light processing technique which uses a rod as the printing platform.The 3D model fabrication is accomplished through line projection.The rotation and translation of the rod are synchronized to project and illuminate the photosensitive material volume.By controlling the distance between the rod and the printing window,we achieved the printing of tubular structures with a minimum wall thickness as thin as 50 micrometers.By controlling the width of fine slits at the printing window,we achieved the printing of structures with a minimum feature size of 10 micrometers.Our process accomplished the fabrication of thin-walled tubular graft structure with a thickness of only 100 micrometers and lengths of several centimeters within a timeframe of just 100 s.Additionally,it enables the printing of axial multi-material structures,thereby achieving adjustable mechanical strength.This method is conducive to rapid customization of tubular grafts and the manufacturing of tubular components in fields such as dentistry,aerospace,and more.

Investigation on mechanical properties regulation of rock-like specimens based on 3D printing and similarity quantification

3D printing is widely adopted to quickly produce rock mass models with complex structures in batches,improving the consistency and repeatability of physical modeling.It is necessary to regulate the mechanical properties of 3D-printed specimens to make them proportionally similar to natural rocks.This study investigates mechanical properties of 3D-printed rock analogues prepared by furan resin-bonded silica sand particles.The mechanical property regulation of 3D-printed specimens is realized through quantifying its similarity to sandstone,so that analogous deformation characteristics and failure mode are acquired.Considering similarity conversion,uniaxial compressive strength,cohesion and stress–strain relationship curve of 3D-printed specimen are similar to those of sandstone.In the study ranges,the strength of 3D-printed specimen is positively correlated with the additive content,negatively correlated with the sand particle size,and first increases then decreases with the increase of curing temperature.The regulation scheme with optimal similarity quantification index,that is the sand type of 70/140,additive content of 2.5‰and curing temperature of 81.6℃,is determined for preparing 3D-printed sandstone analogues and models.The effectiveness of mechanical property regulation is proved through uniaxial compression contrast tests.This study provides a reference for preparing rock-like specimens and engineering models using 3D printing technology.

3D printing encouraging desired in-situ polypyrrole seed-polymerization for ultra-high energy density supercapacitors

The tireless pursuit of supercapacitors with high energy density entails the parallel advancement of wellsuited electrode materials and elaborately engineered architectures.Polypyrrole(PPy)emerges as an exceedingly conductive polymer and a prospective pseudocapacitive materials for supercapacitors,yet the inferior cyclic stability and unpredictable polymerization patterns severely impede its real-world applicability.Here,for the first time,an innovative seed-induced in-situ polymerization assisted 3D printing strategy is proposed to fabricate PPy-reduced graphene oxide/poly(vinylidene difluoride-cohexafluoropropylene)(PVDF-HFP)(PPy-rGO/PH)electrodes with controllable polymerization behavior and exceptional areal mass loading.The preferred active sites uniformly pre-planted on the 3D-printed graphene substrates serve as reliable seeds to induce efficient polypyrrole deposition,achieving an impressive mass loading of 185.6 mg cm^(-2)(particularly 79.2 mg cm^(-2)for polypyrrole)and a superior areal capacitance of 25.2 F cm^(-2)at 2 mA cm^(-2)for a 12-layer electrode.In agreement with theses appealing features,an unprecedented areal energy density of 1.47 mW h cm^(-2)for a symmetrical device is registered,a rarely achieved value for other PPy/rGO-based supercapacitors.This work highlights a promising route to preparing high energy density energy storage modules for real-world applications.

3D printing of poly(ethyleneimine)-functionalized Mg-Al mixed metal oxide monoliths for direct air capture of CO_(2)

Direct air capture(DAC)of CO_(2)plays an indispensable role in achieving carbon-neutral goals as one of the key negative emission technologies.Since large air flows are required to capture the ultradilute CO_(2)from the air,lab-synthesized adsorbents in powder form may cause unacceptable gas pressure drops and poor heat and mass transfer efficiencies.A structured adsorbent is essential for the implementation of gas-solid contactors for cost-and energy-efficient DAC systems.In this study,efficient adsorbent poly(ethyleneimine)(PEI)-functionalized Mg-Al-CO_(3)layered double hydroxide(LDH)-derived mixed metal oxides(MMOs)are three-dimensional(3D)printed into monoliths for the first time with more than 90%adsorbent loadings.The printing process has been optimized by initially printing the LDH powder into monoliths followed by calcination into MMO monoliths.This structure exhibits a 32.7%higher specific surface area and a 46.1%higher pore volume,as compared to the direct printing of the MMO powder into a monolith.After impregnation of PEI,the monolith demonstrates a large adsorption capacity(1.82 mmol/g)and fast kinetics(0.7 mmol/g/h)using a CO_(2)feed gas at 400 ppm at 25℃,one of the highest values among the shaped DAC adsorbents.Smearing of the amino-polymers during the post-printing process affects the diffusion of CO_(2),resulting in slower adsorption kinetics of pre-impregnation monoliths compared to post-impregnation monoliths.The optimal PEI/MeOH ratio for the post-impregnation solution prevents pores clogging that would affect both adsorption capacity and kinetics.

Effect of fractures on mechanical behavior of sand powder 3D printing rock analogue under triaxial compression

In practical engineering applications,rock mass are often found to be subjected to a triaxial stress state.Concurrently,defects like joints and fractures have a notable impact on the mechanical behavior of rock mass.Such defects are identified as crucial contributors to the failure and instability of the surrounding rock,subsequently impacting the engineering stability.The study aimed to investigate the impact of fracture geometry and confining pressure on the deformation,failure characteristics,and strength of specimens using sand powder 3D printing technology and conventional triaxial compression tests.The results indicate that the number of fractures present considerably influences the peak strength,axial peak strain and elastic modulus of the specimens.Confining pressure is an important factor affecting the failure pattern of the specimen,under which the specimen is more prone to shear failure,but the initiation,expansion and penetration processes of secondary cracks in different fracture specimens are different.This study confirmed the feasibility of using sand powder 3D printing specimens as soft rock analogs for triaxial compression research.The insights from this research are deemed essential for a deeper understanding of the mechanical behavior of fractured surrounding rocks when under triaxial stress state.

Biomimetic 3D printing of composite structures with decreased cracking

The development of tissue engineering and regeneration research has created new platforms for bone transplantation.However,the preparation of scaffolds with good fiber integrity is challenging,because scaffolds prepared by traditional printing methods are prone to fiber cracking during solvent evaporation.Human skin has an excellent natural heat-management system,which helps to maintain a constant body temperature through perspiration or blood-vessel constriction.In this work,an electrohydrodynamic-jet 3D-printing method inspired by the thermal-management system of skin was developed.In this system,the evaporation of solvent in the printed fibers can be adjusted using the temperature-change rate of the substrate to prepare 3D structures with good structural integrity.To investigate the solvent evaporation and the interlayer bonding of the fibers,finite-element analysis simulations of a three-layer microscale structure were carried out.The results show that the solvent-evaporation path is from bottom to top,and the strain in the printed structure becomes smaller with a smaller temperaturechange rate.Experimental results verified the accuracy of these simulation results,and a variety of complex 3D structures with high aspect ratios were printed.Microscale cracks were reduced to the nanoscale by adjusting the temperature-change rate from 2.5 to 0.5℃s-1.Optimized process parameters were selected to prepare a tissue engineering scaffold with high integrity.It was confirmed that this printed scaffold had good biocompatibility and could be used for bone-tissue regeneration.This simple and flexible 3D-printing method can also help with the preparation of a wide range of micro-and nanostructured sensors and actuators.

Extrusion 3D printing of carbon nanotube-assembled carbon aerogel nanocomposites with high electrical conductivity

Carbon nanotubes(CNTs)with high aspect ratio and excellent electrical conduction offer huge functional improvements for current carbon aerogels.However,there remains a major challenge for achieving the on-demand shaping of carbon aerogels with tailored micro-nano structural textures and geometric features.Herein,a facile extrusion 3D printing strategy has been proposed for fabricating CNT-assembled carbon(CNT/C)aerogel nanocomposites through the extrusion printing of pseudoplastic carbomer-based inks,in which the stable dispersion of CNT nanofibers has been achieved relying on the high viscosity of carbomer microgels.After extrusion printing,the chemical solidification through polymerizing RF sols enables 3D-printed aerogel nanocomposites to display high shape fidelity in macroscopic geometries.Benefiting from the micro-nano scale assembly of CNT nanofiber networks and carbon nanoparticle networks in composite phases,3D-printed CNT/C aerogels exhibit enhanced mechanical strength(fracture strength,0.79 MPa)and typical porous structure characteristics,including low density(0.220 g cm^(-3)),high surface area(298.4 m^(2)g^(-1)),and concentrated pore diameter distribution(~32.8nm).More importantly,CNT nanofibers provide an efficient electron transport pathway,imparting 3D-printed CNT/C aerogel composites with a high electrical conductivity of 1.49 S cm^(-1).Our work would offer feasible guidelines for the design and fabrication of shape-dominated functional materials by additive manufacturing.

Method of fabricating artificial rock specimens based on extrusion free forming(EFF)3D printing

Three-dimensional(3D)printing technology has been widely used to create artificial rock samples in rock mechanics.While 3D printing can create complex fractures,the material still lacks sufficient similarity to natural rock.Extrusion free forming(EFF)is a 3D printing technique that uses clay as the printing material and cures the specimens through high-temperature sintering.In this study,we attempted to use the EFF technology to fabricate artificial rock specimens.The results show the physico-mechanical properties of the specimens are significantly affected by the sintering temperature,while the nozzle diameter and layer thickness also have a certain impact.The specimens are primarily composed of SiO_(2),with mineral compositions similar to that of natural rocks.The density,uniaxial compressive strength(UCS),elastic modulus,and tensile strength of the printed specimens fall in the range of 1.65–2.54 g/cm3,16.46–50.49 MPa,2.17–13.35 GPa,and 0.82–17.18 MPa,respectively.It is capable of simulating different types of rocks,especially mudstone,sandstone,limestone,and gneiss.However,the simulation of hard rocks with UCS exceeding 50 MPa still requires validation.

Light-based 3D printing of stimulus-responsive hydrogels forminiature devices:recent progress and perspective

Miniature devices comprising stimulus-responsive hydrogels with high environmental adaptability are now considered competitive candidates in the fields of biomedicine,precise sensors,and tunable optics.Reliable and advanced fabricationmethods are critical formaximizing the application capabilities ofminiature devices.Light-based three-dimensional(3D)printing technology offers the advantages of a wide range of applicable materials,high processing accuracy,and strong 3D fabrication capability,which is suitable for the development of miniature devices with various functions.This paper summarizes and highlights the recent advances in light-based 3D-printed miniaturized devices,with a focus on the latest breakthroughs in lightbased fabrication technologies,smart stimulus-responsive hydrogels,and tunable miniature devices for the fields of miniature cargo manipulation,targeted drug and cell delivery,active scaffolds,environmental sensing,and optical imaging.Finally,the challenges in the transition of tunable miniaturized devices from the laboratory to practical engineering applications are presented.Future opportunities that will promote the development of tunable microdevices are elaborated,contributing to their improved understanding of these miniature devices and further realizing their practical applications in various fields.

Electrospinning/3D printing-integrated porous scaffold guides oral tissue regeneration in beagles

The combined use of guided tissue/bone regeneration(GTR/GBR)membranes and bone filling grafts represents a classical therapy for guiding the regeneration and functional reconstruction of oral soft and hard tissues.Nevertheless,due to its displacement and poor mechanical support,bone meal is not suitable for implantation in the case of insufficient cortical bone support and large dimensional defects.The combination of GTR/GBR membrane with a three-dimensional(3D)porous scaffold may offer a resolution for the repair and functional reconstruction of large soft and hard tissue defects.In this study,a novel integrated gradient biodegradable porous scaffold was prepared by bonding a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA)/fish collagen(FC)electrospun membrane(PFC)to a 3D-printed PLGA/nano-hydroxyapatite(HA)(PHA)scaffold.The consistency of the composition(PLGA)ensured strong interfacial bonding between the upper fibrous membrane and the lower 3D scaffold.In vitro cell experiments showed that the PFC membrane(upper layer)effectively prevented the unwanted migration of L929 cells.Further in vivo investigations with an oral soft and hard tissue defect model in beagles revealed that the integrated scaffold effectively guided the regeneration of defective oral tissues.These results suggest that the designed integrated scaffold has great potential for guiding the regeneration and reconstruction of large oral soft and hard tissues.

Rapid fabrication of modular 3D paper-basedmicrofluidic chips using projection-based 3D printing

Paper-based microchips have different advantages,such as better biocompatibility,simple production,and easy handling,making them promising candidates for clinical diagnosis and other fields.This study describes amethod developed to fabricate modular three-dimensional(3D)paper-based microfluidic chips based on projection-based 3D printing(PBP)technology.A series of two-dimensional(2D)paper-based microfluidic modules was designed and fabricated.After evaluating the effect of exposure time on the accuracy of the flow channel,the resolution of this channel was experimentally analyzed.Furthermore,several 3D paper-based microfluidic chips were assembled based on the 2D ones using different methods,with good channel connectivity.Scaffold-based 2D and hydrogel-based 3D cell culture systems based on 3D paper-based microfluidic chips were verified to be feasible.Furthermore,by combining extrusion 3D bioprinting technology and the proposed 3D paper-based microfluidic chips,multiorgan microfluidic chips were established by directly printing 3D hydrogel structures on 3D paperbased microfluidic chips,confirming that the prepared modular 3D paper-based microfluidic chip is potentially applicable in various biomedical applications.

3D printing in space:from mechanical structures to living tissues

3D printing stands at the forefront of transforming space exploration,offering unprecedented on-demand and rapid manufacturing capabilities.It adeptly addresses challenges such as mass reduction,intricate component fabrication,and resource constraints.Despite the obstacles posed by microgravity and extreme environments,continual advancements underscore the pivotal role of 3D printing in aerospace science.Beyond its primary function of producing space structures,3D printing contributes significantly to progress in electronics,biomedicine,and resource optimization.This perspective delves into the technological advantages,environmental challenges,development status,and opportunities of 3D printing in space.Envisioning its crucial impact,we anticipate that 3D printing will unlock innovative solutions,reshape manufacturing practices,and foster self-sufficiency in future space endeavors.

Digital light processing based multimaterial 3D printing:challenges,solutions and perspectives

Multimaterial(MM)3D printing shows great potential for application in metamaterials,flexible electronics,biomedical devices and robots,since it can seamlessly integrate distinctive materials into one printed structure.Among numerous MM 3D printing technologies,digital light processing(DLP)MM 3D printing is compatible with a wide range of materials from hydrogels to ceramics,and can print MM 3D structures with high resolution,high complexity and fast speed.This paper introduces the fundamental mechanisms of DLP 3D printing,and reviews the recent advances of DLP MM 3D printing technologies with emphasis on material switching methods and material contamination issues.It also summarizes a number of typical examples of DLP MM 3D printing systems developed in the past decade,and introduces their system structures,working principles,material switching methods,residual resin removal methods,printing steps,as well as the representative structures and applications.Finally,we provide perspectives on the directions of the further development of DLP MM 3D printing technology.

Cookie Baking Process Optimization and Quality Analysis Based on Food 3D Printing

In order to obtain better quality cookies, food 3D printing technology was employed to prepare cookies. The texture, color, deformation, moisture content, and temperature of the cookie as evaluation indicators, the influences of baking process parameters, such as baking time, surface heating temperature and bottom heating temperature, on the quality of the cookie were studied to optimize the baking process parameters. The results showed that the baking process parameters had obvious effects on the texture, color, deformation, moisture content, and temperature of the cookie. All of the roasting surface heating temperature, bottom heating temperature and baking time had positive influences on the hardness, crunchiness, crispiness, and the total color difference(ΔE) of the cookie. When the heating temperatures of the surfac and bottom increased, the diameter and thickness deformation rate of the cookie increased. However,with the extension of baking time, the diameter and thickness deformation rate of the cookie first increased and then decreased. With the surface heating temperature of 180 ℃, the bottom heating temperature of 150 ℃, and baking time of 15 min, the cookie was crisp and moderate with moderate deformation and uniform color. There was no burnt phenomenon with the desired quality. Research results provided a theoretical basis for cookie manufactory based on food 3D printing technology.

3D打印技术在创伤性骨折中的应用

背景:3D打印技术可根据患者实际病情和治疗需求设计构建模型、手术导板和个性化植入体或固定物,在创伤性骨折修复中展示了巨大的应用前景。目的:综述3D打印技术在创伤性骨折中的应用。方法:检索Web of science、PubMed和中国知网数据库2020-2024年发表的创伤骨科领域3D打印技术应用的相关文献,英文检索词为“traumatic fracture,3D printing technology,digital model,surgical guide”,中文检索词为“创伤性骨折,3D打印技术,数字模型,手术导板”,经筛选和分析,最终纳入60篇文献进行分析。结果与结论:①创伤性骨折是各种致伤因素导致的骨骼连续性中断和完整性破坏的骨折现象,以可靠方案提高复位愈合效果,已成为骨外科相关研究领域亟需解决的热点问题;②3D打印技术是以数字模型数据为基础的,运用粉末状金属或聚合物等可黏合成型材料以立体光刻、沉积建模和光聚合物喷射等形式制造满足需求三维实体的技术,在数字骨科生物医学领域应用广泛;③3D打印技术在疾病诊断、术前规划、重建骨折三维模型、定制骨科植入体、定制固定支具及假肢、手术导板制作和骨缺损修复等方面发挥了显著的优势,可根据患者实际病情和治疗需求设计构建模型、手术导板和个性化植入体或固定物,为创伤性骨折的治疗提供了新的思路。

激光技术在食品3D打印中的应用及发展趋势

随着食品3D打印技术的快速发展,各种辅助技术与其结合的创新应用越来越受关注。激光技术具有精确、高能量和快速实现材料成型等特点,与食品3D打印技术的个性化定制优势高度契合,两者的结合在食品加工领域展现出巨大的应用前景。本文在介绍食品3D打印技术和激光技术发展现状的基础上,着重阐述激光技术在食品3D打印中的应用,包括激光参数(如波长、功率、脉冲等)和工艺优势。同时,指出激光技术在食品3D打印应用中所面临的挑战,如激光照射下的食品安全、应用局限等问题。最后,对激光技术和食品3D打印技术深度融合的发展趋势进行总结与展望,指明未来发展方向,为激光技术在食品3D打印领域的创新应用提供理论参考。

High Colloidal Stable Carbon Dots Armored Liquid Metal Nano-Droplets for Versatile 3D/4D Printing Through Digital Light Processing(DLP)

Liquid metal(LM)and liquid metal alloys(LMs)possess unique physicochemical features,which have become emerging and functionalized materials that are attractive applicants in various fields.Herein,uniform LM nanodroplets armored by carbon dots(LMD@CDs)were prepared and exhibited high colloidal stability in various solvents,as well as water.After optimization,LMD@CDs can be applied as functional additives for the 3D/4D printing of hydrogel and cross-linked resin through digital light processing(DLP).The light absorption of LMD@CDs not only improved the printing accuracy,but also led to the cross-linking density differential during the post-curing process.Base on the cross-linking density differential of soft hydrogel and photothermal performance of the LM,the 3D printed objects can exhibit stimulus responses to both water and laser irradiation.Additionally,the CDs shell and LM core of LMD@CDs provide the printed objects interesting photoluminescence and electric conductivity capabilities,respectively.We deduce this versatile 3D/4D printing system would provide a new platform for the preparation of multi-functional and stimuli-responsive advance materials.

3D打印个体化截骨导板结合定制钢板在开放楔形胫骨高位截骨中的应用

背景:3D打印个体化截骨导板辅助开放楔形胫骨高位截骨治疗膝骨关节炎具有手术时间短、透视次数少、矫正精准度高等优点。但之前报道的截骨导板对周围软组织破坏严重、锁定钢板位置不当等问题依旧明显。目的:探究3D打印个体化截骨导板结合定制钢板辅助开放楔形胫骨高位截骨治疗膝骨关节炎的临床疗效。方法:收集20例确诊为膝骨关节炎的患者,按手术方法分为3D组和常规组,每组10例。3D组采用3D打印个体化截骨导板结合定制钢板辅助开放楔形胫骨高位截骨手术,常规组进行常规开放楔形胫骨高位截骨手术。分析比较两组患者手术时间、透视次数、切口长度,术前和术后髋膝踝角、胫骨近端内侧角、胫骨后倾角以及计划矫正角度与实际矫正角度的差值,术前和术后1,3,6个月膝关节活动度及Lysholm评分,另外记录并发症发生情况。结果与结论:①3D组患者的手术时间、透视次数少于常规组,差异有显著性意义(P<0.001);②两组患者的术后髋膝踝角、胫骨近端内侧角均较术前增大,差异有显著性意义(P<0.001),而胫骨后倾角无明显改变;3D组术后髋膝踝角、胫骨近端内侧角及胫骨后倾角与术前计划值分别相差(-0.22±0.72)°、(-0.20±0.73)°和(0.23±0.37)°,但差异均无显著性意义;3D组计划矫正度数与实际矫正度数的差值较常规组小,差异有显著性意义(P<0.05);③两组患者术后膝关节活动度及Lysholm评分均逐步升高(P<0.001);3D组术后1,3个月的膝关节活动度及术后1个月的Lysholm评分优于常规组,差异有显著性意义(P<0.05);两组患者术后3个月的Lysholm评分、术后6个月的膝关节活动度及Lysholm评分差异无显著性意义(P>0.05);④两组患者均无并发症发生;⑤上述结果说明3D打印个体化截骨导板结合定制钢板辅助和常规方法均有良好的临床疗效,但前者的手术时间更短,透视次数更少,术后膝关节功能恢复更快;并且3D打印个体化截骨导板可精准实现术前规划。