Liquid crystal cartilage
New 3D Printing Material Simulates Biological Tissues
Georgy Golovanov, High-tech+
Biological tissues have evolved over millennia to perform their functions perfectly. It is not so easy to create an artificial replacement for them, but American scientists have managed to print a complex porous structure resembling biological cartilage.
Article by Traugutt et al. Liquid‐Crystal‐Elastomer‐Based Dissipative Structures by Digital Light Processing 3D Printing is published in the journal Advanced Materials – VM.
Liquid crystal elastomers are known for their elasticity and extraordinary ability to dissipate energy. Protective equipment is made of them, for example, helmets that protect against injury. However, these materials are difficult to manage. Until now, most researchers have been able to obtain only either large objects with minimal detail, or carefully designed, but microscopic structures, writes Phys.org.
Scientists from the University of Colorado at Denver have developed a thick and viscous liquid crystal resin, which forms new bonds under the action of ultraviolet light, that is, it is restored. So soft, durable and pliable elastomers were obtained, from which lattice structures resembling cartilage were printed.
As a demonstration of the technology's capabilities, the developers printed several objects, including a lotus flower and a prototype prosthesis for spinal surgery. It became the largest and most detailed object made of liquid crystal elastomer printed on a 3D printer.
The combination of printing technology and material increased the system performance by 12 times and increased energy dissipation by 27 times compared to products printed from commercially available resin.
"Thanks to high-resolution 3D printing, we can replicate the human anatomy exactly. One day we will be able to grow cells to repair the spine, but for now we can take a step towards a new generation of materials," said Professor Chris Jakacki, head of the scientific group.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru