Recently, researchers at Finland’s VTT Technology Research Center used cellulose nanofibers to develop a 3D printing material for wound care. Connected to a computer through electronic components, the material can also achieve real-time monitoring and send information about the patient’s wounds to medical staff. Information on healing status.
Biocompatibility of nanocellulose
Nanocellulose is a natural bio-based polymer with excellent water balancing and skin hydration properties and is biocompatible with human cells and tissues. Research has found that nanocellulose has not been found to cause any rejection reactions or inflammation in vivo. In addition, nanocellulose also has excellent pH, temperature and salt stability and can be used as a carrier for controlled release of therapeutic molecules. Due to these excellent properties, nanocellulose has been applied in the fields of antibacterial wound dressings, artificial grafts, and anti-UV cosmetics.
Nanocellulose for 3D printing
3D printing is an efficient method for manufacturing personalized complex lightweight structures. Currently, materials used for 3D printing include thermoplastics, metals, ceramics, etc. According to VTT, the current application of biomaterials in 3D printing is quite limited due to the challenges of printing pastes. The researchers found that cellulose nanofibers are suitable for the development of 3D printing materials and have properties that can improve bio-based 3D printing slurries: they have excellent water absorption capabilities and therefore can be made into printing slurries that are viscous enough for 3D printing processes. Materials (can contain up to 50% water); have high mechanical strength and can have a positive impact on biodegradability; can also be used as other currently used 3D printing chemicals that may produce harmful emissions or cause allergies, such as resins, synthetic thickening agents, reinforcing agents and plastics.
3D printed nanocellulose wound care materials
The 3D printed wound care material prototype developed by VTT includes nanocellulose and printed electronics for measuring wound healing. The measurement electrode is printed on the polyurethane-nanocellulose membrane with silver ink. The printed electrode is connected to the wireless FlexNode reader developed by VTT, and a laminated film is used to protect the printed electrode. The outer layer of the laminate is a 3D-printed wound care gel containing nanocellulose, alginate and glycerin active ingredients.
Through the use of nanocellulose, the wound care material created has better liquid absorption properties and is 3 times more efficient than alginate fiber dressings commonly used in wound care. By absorbing moisture from the wound, the material can shorten wound healing time. The 3D printed wound care gel acts as a buffer between the body and electronic components while promoting wound healing. FlexNode readers can transmit temperature or bioimpedance data from the wound to a hospital computer, alerting medical staff to signs of wound infection or other complications so they can adjust patient recovery based on the data.
According to the researchers, although the developed 3D printed wound care materials have good application potential, there are still many challenges. First, it is challenging to manufacture flexible structures based on biomaterials. The material will harden as water is lost. Researchers are trying to improve the flexibility of the material by increasing non-volatile components in the matrix and using polymeric materials and plasticizers; second, At present, nanocellulose has not been approved for medical use. It is expected that it will take some time for this 3D printed wound care product to be marketed. The team will try to first use this bio-based printing material in textiles, interior decoration and other fields. In addition, researchers will also focus on the application of natural antimicrobial ingredients.
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