Thermoreversible gels – Optimisation of processing parameters in fused Deposition Modelling

Thermoreversible hydrogels are widely used in foods, drug delivery and tissue engineering. Novel shapes/textures out of them being increasingly fabricated using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) type 3D printing, where gels extruded layer-by-layer above their gelling temperature followed by cooling. It is crucial to develop a library suitable materials optimise printing conditions ensure good print quality minimise damage the embedded active components (cells, flavours, nutrients molecules). Several mixtures gelatin with gellan agar were prepared characterised. They formed into cylinders FDM at four different temperatures three speeds. The printed specimens tested for mechanical properties compression. fidelity shapes inter-layer adhesion appeared rely on cooling required before approaching time available it, through speed. A generic printability diagram was constructed navigating optimal given formulation.