World's First 3D-Printed Immune-Compatible Material Opens New Avenues for Organ Transplants and Drug Delivery
Release time:
2025-11-28
A University of Virginia research team has pioneered a novel 3D-printable material compatible with the human immune system, as reported in the latest issue of Advanced Materials.
Breaking Bottlenecks: Stretchable PEG Material Overcomes Traditional Limitations
Based on polyethylene glycol (PEG), this innovation addresses the brittleness and crystallization issues of conventional PEG by introducing a molecular structure that maintains integrity under stretching. This breakthrough benefits medical technologies like artificial organ transplantation and drug delivery, as well as advanced battery applications. Traditional PEG production involves cross-linking polymers followed by dehydration, leading to structural weakness. The new approach mimics elastic rubber’s molecular design with a "foldable bottlebrush" structure—where flexible side chains radiate from a central backbone, folding like an accordion to store extra length and unfold for high stretchability and durability, significantly enhancing PEG-based material performance.
Technological Innovation: Light-Controlled Polymerization Enables Complex 3D Printing
By applying the "foldable bottlebrush" concept to PEG, the team used UV light exposure to trigger polymerization within seconds, producing highly stretchable PEG-based hydrogels and solvent-free elastomers suitable for 3D printing. The key advancement lies in shaping UV light to precisely control polymerization, enabling the fabrication of intricate 3D structures essential for customized artificial organ scaffolds or drug delivery systems. Tests confirm excellent biocompatibility, with cell cultures showing tissue compatibility and suitability for direct implantation, significantly reducing immune rejection risks.
Application Expansion: Cross-Disciplinary Potential from Healthcare to Energy
Beyond medical uses, the material demonstrates versatility across fields. Compared to existing solid polymer electrolytes, it offers higher conductivity and stretchability at room temperature, positioning it as a candidate for high-performance solid electrolytes in advanced batteries. The team plans to explore its application in solid-state batteries and develop composite materials with diverse chemistries to expand 3D-printed product possibilities. This achievement not only paves the way for rapid, safe organ transplantation and drug delivery technologies but also holds promise for driving innovation in energy storage and other sectors.
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