The prospect of complex 3D printed silicone structures for medical implants is a step closer, thanks to this pioneering new support technique for 3D printing.

Researchers at the University of Florida have published a paper in Science Advances that addresses the problems with printing specific slow curing materials.

The issue for lead author Christopher O’Bryan — an aerospace engineering doctoral student — and his team, is that a material such as silicone is incompatible with existing oil-based microgel support.

This incompatibility means that — until now with this new research — it hasn’t been possible to 3D print silicone into complex structures. Overhangs and bridges are the least of your problems when the overall structure of your print is slowly distorting.

Silicone is of great value to the medical industry for its biocompatibility. The research has made it possible to use an syringe injection method of 3D printing models that demonstrate practical medical applications, such as functional fluid pumps and blood vessel-like networks.

 

How Does This Silicone Supporting Goop Work?

The technology behind this breakthrough is the result of the work of Tommy Angelini. Co-author of the paper and Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace at the University, he has spent time focusing on the development of 3D printing organs and transplants.

O’Bryan likens it to a childrens’ ball pit at McDonald’s. It just so happens that the ball pit in this scenario is the vat of goo, called an organogel.

Basically, the organogel consists of microscopic balls (mere microns in size) suspended in mineral oil. When the liquid silicone is injected into the organogel, it supports the fluid silicone in place. This allows it to solidify in the shape printed, instead of collapsing in a gloopy pile.

Preexisting water-based organogels weren’t suitable for use with silicone, because of the material’s oily makeup. By formulating an oil-based organogel, the process works.

After some 24 hours of setting in the gel, the researchers are left with tiny tough objects. Scoop them out of the organogel and give them a rinse, and you are left with intricate, squidgy silicone parts.

Do you want to know more? Of course you do, Citizen — you can get the full skinny on this research over on the Science Advances site.

Source: The Verge

Featured image: O’Bryan et al. Sci. Adv. 2017;3:e1602800