Direct Ink Writing(DIW)has demonstrated great potential as a versatile method to 3D print multifunctional structures.In this work,we report the implementation of hydrogel meta-structures using DIW at room temperature,...Direct Ink Writing(DIW)has demonstrated great potential as a versatile method to 3D print multifunctional structures.In this work,we report the implementation of hydrogel meta-structures using DIW at room temperature,which seamlessly integrate large specific surface areas,interconnected porous characteristics,mechanical toughness,biocompatibility,and water absorption and retention capabilities.Robust but hydrophobic polymers and weakly crosslinked nature-origin hydrogels form a balance in the self-supporting ink,allowing us to directly print complex meta-structures without sacrificial materials and heating extrusion.Mechanically,the mixed bending or stretching of symmetrical re-entrant cellular lattices and the unique curvature patterns are combined to provide little lateral expansion and large compressive energy absorbance when external forces are applied on the printed meta-structures.In addition,we have successfully demonstrated ear,aortic valve conduits and hierarchical architectures.We anticipate that the reported 3D meta-structured hydrogel would offer a new strategy to develop functional biomaterials for tissue engineering applications in the future.展开更多
基金the financial support of the National Science Foundation(ECCS-1916839 and CBET-1931777)the support of the National Institute of Health under grant number R21 HD090680-01support by the U.S.Army Research Office through the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies at MIT,under Contract Number W911NF-13-D-0001.
文摘Direct Ink Writing(DIW)has demonstrated great potential as a versatile method to 3D print multifunctional structures.In this work,we report the implementation of hydrogel meta-structures using DIW at room temperature,which seamlessly integrate large specific surface areas,interconnected porous characteristics,mechanical toughness,biocompatibility,and water absorption and retention capabilities.Robust but hydrophobic polymers and weakly crosslinked nature-origin hydrogels form a balance in the self-supporting ink,allowing us to directly print complex meta-structures without sacrificial materials and heating extrusion.Mechanically,the mixed bending or stretching of symmetrical re-entrant cellular lattices and the unique curvature patterns are combined to provide little lateral expansion and large compressive energy absorbance when external forces are applied on the printed meta-structures.In addition,we have successfully demonstrated ear,aortic valve conduits and hierarchical architectures.We anticipate that the reported 3D meta-structured hydrogel would offer a new strategy to develop functional biomaterials for tissue engineering applications in the future.