Photo-curable resins based on poly(globalide) for 3D printing of resorbable scaffolds: synthesis, crosslinking and post-functionalization

Abstract

In recent years, significant efforts have been dedicated to developing photo-curable biomaterials for medical applications such as prosthetics, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. Although light-based 3D printing techniques enable the fabrication of resorbable medical devices with tailored properties, the shortage of suitable biodegradable materials still constrains their full potential. This study focused on producing resins based on poly(globalide) diacrylate for vat photo-polymerization 3D printing of biocompatible and biodegradable materials. By incorporating into the formulation unsaturated compounds such as poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, 1,10-decanediol diacrylate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, and N-isopropylacrylamide, the gelation kinetics, mechanical properties, and hydrolytic degradation rates were effectively modulated. Additionally, the successful post-functionalization of photo-crosslinked films with N-acetylcysteine through thiol-ene click-like chemistry demonstrates the material’s potential for surface modification even after processing (photo-crosslinking). As part of the biological evaluation, the in vitro cytotoxicity of each material was tested according to the ISO 10993-5 standard. Finally, the suitability of one of the resins for vat photo-polymerization 3D printing was successfully validated with an LCD-based SLA printer.