Affiliation:
1. Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN) and Advanced Materials Bio‐Engineering Research Centre (AMBER) Trinity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
2. School of Chemistry Trinity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
3. School of Physics Trinity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
4. Tissue Engineering Research Group Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Dublin Ireland
5. Charles Institute of Dermatology School of Medicine University College Dublin Dublin Ireland
6. Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering (TCBE) Trinity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
Abstract
AbstractFunctional conductive hydrogels are widely used in various application scenarios, such as artificial skin, cell scaffolds, and implantable bioelectronics. However, their novel designs and technological innovations are severely hampered by traditional manufacturing approaches. Direct ink writing (DIW) is considered a viable industrial‐production 3D‐printing technology for the custom production of hydrogels according to the intended applications. Unfortunately, creating functional conductive hydrogels by DIW has long been plagued by complicated ink formulation and printing processes. In this study, a highly 3D printable poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)‐based ink made from fully commercially accessible raw materials is demonstrated. It is shown that complex structures can be directly printed with this ink and then precisely converted into high‐performance hydrogels via a post‐printing freeze–thawing treatment. The 3D‐printed hydrogel exhibits high electrical conductivity of ≈2000 S m−1, outstanding elasticity, high stability and durability in water, electromagnetic interference shielding, and sensing capabilities. Moreover, the hydrogel is biocompatible, showing great potential for implantable and tissue engineering applications. With significant advantages, the fabrication strategy is expected to open up a new route to create multifunctional hydrogels with custom features, and can bring new opportunities to broaden the applications of hydrogel materials.
Funder
Science Foundation Ireland
European Research Council
Subject
Electrochemistry,Condensed Matter Physics,Biomaterials,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
Cited by
7 articles.
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