Researchers at the VTT Technology Research Center in Finland recently developed a 3D printed material for wound care using cellulose nanofibers, connected to a computer via electronic components that can also be monitored in real time and sent to health care workers for wounds Healing information.
Biocompatibility of nanocellulose
Nanocellulose is a natural bio-based polymer with excellent moisture balance and skin hydration properties, and has biocompatibility with human cells and tissues. The study found that nano-cellulose in the body has not yet found any rejection and inflammation occurred. In addition, nanocellulose also has excellent pH, temperature and salt stability and can be used as a carrier for controlled release of therapeutic molecules. Due to these excellent properties, nanocellulose has been used in the fields of wound antimicrobial dressings, artificial implants, and anti-UV cosmetics.
Nano-cellulose for 3D printing
3D printing is an effective way to create a personalized, light and complex structure. Currently, materials for 3D printing include thermoplastics as well as metals, ceramics and the like. According to VTT, the current use of biomaterials in 3D printing is limited due to the challenges of printing slurries. The researchers found that cellulose nanofibers are suitable for the development of 3D printing materials that have the property of improving bio-based 3D printing pastes: they have excellent water absorption and can therefore be made into sufficiently viscous printing pastes for 3D printing processes (Up to 50% moisture); high mechanical strength and can have a positive effect on biodegradability; and can be used as currently used 3D printed chemicals that can cause harmful emissions or cause allergies such as resins, synthetic thickening Agents, reinforcements and plastics and other alternatives.
3D printed nanocellulose wound care material
Prototypes for 3D printed wound care materials developed by VTT include nanocellulose and printed electronics used to measure wound healing. The measuring electrodes were printed on a polyurethane-nanofibrous film with silver ink, the print electrodes were connected to a VTT-developed wireless FlexNode reader and the printed electrodes were protected with a laminate film. The outer layer of the laminate is a 3D printed wound care gel containing nanocellulose, alginate and glycerol active ingredients.
The wound care material created by the use of nanocellulose has better liquid absorption and is 3 times more efficient than alginate fiber dressings commonly used in wound care. By absorbing the moisture in the wound, this material can shorten the wound healing time. 3D printed wound care gel acts as a buffer between body and electronic components while helping to heal wounds. The FlexNode Reader transmits temperature or bioimpedance data from the wound to the hospital computer, alerting the medical staff to signs of wound infection or other complications that allow it to adjust the patient's recovery based on the data.
According to the researchers, although the development of 3D printed wound care materials has good potential applications, there are still many challenges. First, the fabrication of flexible structures based on biomaterials is challenging. As water loss material hardens, researchers are trying to improve the flexibility of materials by adding less volatile components in the matrix and using polymeric materials and plasticizers. Second, At present, nanocellulose has not yet been approved for medical use. It is expected that this 3D printed wound care product will take a long time to come to the market. The team will try to apply this bio-based printing material to textiles, interior decoration and other fields first. In addition, the researchers will also focus on the application of natural antibacterial ingredients.
Modern Oxygen Sensor,Sonata Octopus Oxygen Sensor,Modern Auto Oxygen Sensor,Modern Automotive Oxygen Sensor
Wenzhou Hua jue Automobile Electronic Technology Co., LTD , https://www.wenzhouhuajue.com