Solvent Free Resorbable Resin for 3D Printing
Unmet Need
Biologically resorbable resins have allowed for incredible advances in 3D printed implantable device technology. Bone implants, stents, drug delivery scaffolds, and many other lifesaving devices can be custom printed to meet a patient’s needs. However, this level of personalized medicine requires precision materials. Conventional resins require the use of solvents that lead to warping and cracking as the printed material shrinks. There is a need for resins that can be printed without the use of these solvents.
Technology
Duke inventors have developed a biologically resorbable resin that can be 3D printed without the use of any solvent or diluent. The resin has a low viscosity, making it possible to use in current DLP printing systems. The resulting material has a demonstrated shrinkage of only 0.3%, reducing typical warping and cracking of printed parts. Additionally, polymerization and crosslinking of the resin is tunable, allowing for control of printed material mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of this resin have been assessed, and it is ready for use in developing medical implants.
Other Applications
In addition to creating implantable medical devices, this resin has potential for applications in drug delivery, nanotechnology, wearable electronics, microfluidics, and robotics.
Advantages
- Does not require any solvent or diluent
- Printed material only shrinks 0.3%
- Tunable mechanical properties
- No toxic manufacturing materials
- Ready for use in DLP and stereolithography systems