New stereolithographic resin providing functional surfaces for biocompatible three-dimensional printing

Abstract

Stereolithography is one of the most promising technologies for the production of tailored implants. Within this study, we show the results of a new resin formulation for three-dimensional printing which is also useful for subsequent surface functionalization. The class of materials is based on monomers containing either thiol or alkene groups. By irradiation of the monomers at a wavelength of 266 nm, we demonstrated an initiator-free stereolithographic process based on thiol-ene click chemistry. Specimens made from this material have successfully been tested for biocompatibility. Using Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry and fluorescent staining, we are able to show that off-stoichiometric amounts of functional groups in the monomers allow us to produce scaffolds with functional surfaces. We established a new protocol to demonstrate the opportunity to functionalize the surface by copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition chemistry. Finally, we demonstrate a three-dimensional bioprinting concept for the production of potentially biocompatible polymers with thiol-functionalized surfaces usable for subsequent functionalization.