3D-printed self-healing hydrogels via Digital Light Processing

Matteo Caprioli, Ignazio Roppolo (), Annalisa Chiappone, Liraz Larush, Candido Fabrizio Pirri and Shlomo Magdassi ()
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Matteo Caprioli: Politecnico di Torino
Ignazio Roppolo: Politecnico di Torino
Annalisa Chiappone: Politecnico di Torino
Liraz Larush: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus – Givat Ram
Candido Fabrizio Pirri: Politecnico di Torino
Shlomo Magdassi: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus – Givat Ram

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Self-healing hydrogels may mimic the behavior of living tissues, which can autonomously repair minor damages, and therefore have a high potential for application in biomedicine. So far, such hydrogels have been processed only via extrusion-based additive manufacturing technology, limited in freedom of design and resolution. Herein, we present 3D-printed hydrogel with self-healing ability, fabricated using only commercially available materials and a commercial Digital Light Processing printer. These hydrogels are based on a semi-interpenetrated polymeric network, enabling self-repair of the printed objects. The autonomous restoration occurs rapidly, at room temperature, and without any external trigger. After rejoining, the samples can withstand deformation and recovered 72% of their initial strength after 12 hours. The proposed approach enables 3D printing of self-healing hydrogels objects with complex architecture, paving the way for future applications in diverse fields, ranging from soft robotics to energy storage.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22802-z

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