Additive manufacturing via protein denaturation†
Abstract
We report vat-based additive manufacturing (or, 3D printing) that leverages protein denaturation as the sole curing mechanism. The approach avoids the use of acrylates, which are often toxic and hazardous materials. Instead, additive manufacturing by protein denaturation uses techniques that enable control over the location of photothermal transduction such that protein aggregation drives the conversion of aqueous resin into solid parts. In this way, we introduce a safe and sustainable approach to production of complex three-dimensional objects that maintain full biodegradability.