Bio-sourced and biodegradable polymers for additive manufacturing could enable the rapid fabrication of parts for a broad spectrum of applications ranging from healthcare to aerospace. However, a limited number of these materials are suitable for vat photopolymerization processes. Herein, we report a two-step additive manufacturing process to fabricate protein-based constructs using a commercially available laser-scanning SLA printer. Methacrylated bovine serum albumin (MA-BSA) was synthesized and formulated into aqueous resins that was used to print complex 3D geometrical constructs with a resolution comparable to a commercially available resin. The MA-BSA resins were characterized by rheometry to determine the viscosity and the cure rate, as both of these parameters can ultimately be used to predict the printability of the resin. In the first step of patterning these materials, the MA-BSA resin was 3D printed, and in the second step, the printed construct was thermally cured to denature the globular protein and increase the intermolecular noncovalent interactions. Thus, the final 3D printed part was comprised of both chemical and physical cross-links. Compression studies of hydrated and dehydrated constructs demonstrated a broad range of compressive strengths and Young’s moduli that could be further modulated by adjusting the type and amount of co-monomer. The printed hydrogel constructs demonstrated good cell viability (&gt; 95%) after a 21-day culture period. This strategy was demonstrated with laser-scanning SLA printing, but is expected to be applicable toward other types of vat photopolymerization processes.

3D Printed bioplastic materials based on globular proteins

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.