Post-print modification strategies on 3D printed constructs for tubular scaffold fabrication
Chen, Lin
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Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/122127
Description
Title
Post-print modification strategies on 3D printed constructs for tubular scaffold fabrication
Author(s)
Chen, Lin
Issue Date
2023-11-27
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Bhargava, Rohit
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Yang, Hong
Committee Member(s)
Kong, Hyun Joon
Rogers, Simon A
Department of Study
Chemical & Biomolecular Engr
Discipline
Chemical Engineering
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
3D printing
Surface-initiated photopolymerization
post-print modification strategies
coatings.
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing enables the fabrication of intricate tubular structures with broad applications in biomedicine areas. However, print materials with high printability often lack the bio-functionality required for many biomedical applications. This thesis focuses on developing hydrogel coatings as a post-print modification strategy to add functionality to 3D printed constructs without compromising shape fidelity. The core innovation is applying conformal hydrogel coatings onto complex 3D printed templates using a surface-initiated photopolymerization scheme that allows localized hydrogel growth from the template interface under mild visible light irradiation. Key advances include 3D printing complex tubular sacrificial templates mimicking vascular networks, designing a light irradiation system for polymerization of hydrogel coatings on the templates, and extensive materials characterization demonstrating conformal and localized hydrogel coating with retention of print resolution. Next, computational modeling was developed to provide insights into the surface photopolymerization kinetics and enable predicting and optimizing coating thickness. Finally, multi-layered hydrogel coatings experimentally implemented through wavelength-selective initiation to produce enhanced cellular adhesion compared to single layers. Further, the coating technique was expanded to be compatible with digital light processing (DLP) printing for modifying complex inner luminal geometries. This thesis establishes a versatile and universal hydrogel coating platform to impart protective coatings, and multi-layered architectures onto 3D printed constructs without compromising shape fidelity. These post-print modification strategies provide the foundation for functional interfaces, coatings, and modifications to significantly advance 3D printing capabilities across disciplines, especially biomedical engineering applications in areas like tissue engineering and drug delivery.
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