Active biosoluble composite material obtained by real-time LbL photoreduction of silver via light-based 3D printing

Abstract

In this study, a silver-containing photopolymerizable resin was developed and synthesized to create an active biosoluble composite for various applications, including biomedical devices. The main goal was to investigate the properties of this material, which can be produced through real-time LbL (Layer-by-Layer) in situ silver photoreduction during resin photopolymerization. This process uses the 405 nm LEDs of an MSLA (Masked Stereolithography Apparatus) 3D printer. Characterization techniques reveal chemical changes caused by the photoreduction of silver as well as an improvement in physical properties attributed to the presence of metallic silver. The silver nanocomposite has the potential for applications such as 3D-printed antimicrobial structures for biomedicine and engineering. To demonstrate the application of the developed material, a PoC (Proof of Concept) of 3D printing of bioinspired microneedles is presented, aiming to contribute to methods of drug administration that bypass the stratum corneum without causing pain.

Keywords

• Silver photoreduction
• Imidazole salts
• Soluble resin
• MSLA 3D printing
• Bioinspired microneedles