3D PRINTING OF BIOMEDICAL IMPLANTS
Provided herein are methods, compositions, devices, and systems for the 3D printing of biomedical implants. In particular, methods and systems are provided for 3D printing of biomedical devices (e.g., endovascular stents) using photo-curable biomaterial inks (e.g., or methacrylated poly(diol citrate)).
1 . A method comprising:
(a) dispensing a layer of a photo-curable biomaterial ink from a 3D printing device in a pattern according to encoded instructions,
(b) exposing the layer of the photo-curable biomaterial ink to light to cure the biomaterial ink and produce a solidified biomaterial layer, and
(c) repeating steps (a) and (b), with each successive layer built upon the previous layer to produce a 3D structure of the solidified biomaterial;
wherein the photo-curable biomaterial ink comprises: methacrylated poly(diol citrate) and the poly(diol citrate) comprises a polymer of citric acid and HO—(CH 2 ) n —OH, wherein n is 2-20.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the photo-curable biomaterial ink further comprises one or more of: a solvent, a photoinitiator, a co-initiator, a free-radical quencher, and a UV-absorber.
3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the 3D printing device is configured for laser scanning stereolithography, projection stereolithography, ink-jet printing, continuous liquid interface production, or combinations thereof.
4 . A biomaterial device produced by the method of claim 1 .