Post-print modification strategies on 3D printed constructs for tubular scaffold fabrication

Chen, Lin

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/122127 Copy

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.

Graduation Semester

2023-12

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/122127

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 Lin Chen

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