3D printing of shape-morphing and antibacterial anisotropic nanocellulose hydrogels

We report on a procedure for the preparation, printing and curing of antibacterial poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) nanocellulose-reinforced hydrogels. These composites present highly anisotropic microstructure which allows to control modulate resulting mechanical properties. The incorporation such nanoparticles enables us modify both strength humidity-dependent swelling direction printed parts, offering fourth-dimensional property composite. Antibacterial properties hydrogels were obtained by incorporating functionalized peptide ε-polylysine, modified with addition methacrylate group ensure UV-immobilization. highlight relevance well-adapted viscoelastic our material 3D direct ink writing self-supporting complex structures reaching inclination angles 45°. cellulose nanoparticles, overall composition parameters strongly determine degree orientation. achieved over paves way three-dimensional programmable actuation.