3D Printing of Cellulose Nanocrystal-Loaded Hydrogels through Rapid Fixation by Photopolymerization

New ink compositions for direct writing (DIW) printing of hydrogels, combining superior rheological properties cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and a water-compatible photoinitiator, are presented. Rapid fixation was achieved by photopolymerization induced immediately after the each layer 365 nm light 5 s, which overcame common height limitation in DIW enabled fabrication objects with high aspect ratio. CNCs imparted unique behavior, expressed orders magnitude difference viscosity between low shear rates rapid recovery, without compromising printability. Compared to literature, presented enable use photoinitiator concentrations at very short build time, 6.25 s/mm, also curable 405 light, is favorable maintaining viability bioinks.