Open AccessStudy on 3D printing technology and mechanical properties of a nano‐enhanced composite hydrogel bio‐ink
Author(s) -
Wu Weitao
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
micro and nano letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.25
H-Index - 31
ISSN - 1750-0443
DOI - 10.1049/mnl.2019.0712
Subject(s) - materials science , ultimate tensile strength , composite material , nanocomposite , composite number , curing (chemistry) , 3d bioprinting , montmorillonite , 3d printing , self healing hydrogels , inkwell , tissue engineering , biomedical engineering , polymer chemistry , medicine
Traditional bio‐inks are mostly limited in application due to their low‐mechanical strength or complex cross‐linking curing methods. In this study, a nanocomposite hydrogel bio‐ink [gelatin–alginate–montmorillonite (GT–AT–MMT)] for 3D bioprinting is designed based on the thermo‐sensitive properties of GT, the advantages of ionic crosslinking of sodium AT, and the shear thinning and toughening mechanism of nano‐MMT. The 3D printing of the bio‐ink with variable AT content is optimised, and the tensile, compressive, and creep properties of the 3D printed structure are studied. Results show that GT–AT–MMT bio‐ink has good printability, and its mechanical properties are enhanced with increased AT content. The tensile modulus of the GT–4% AT–MMT sample can reach 0.533 MPa, which has a minimum creep deformation of 0.311 mm under the same load condition. Therefore, GT–AT–MMT bio‐ink provides a new possibility for the development of 3D bioprinting, which will offer many opportunities in fields such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, and regeneration medicine.