Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing: Test Platforms for Evaluating Post-Fabrication Chemical Modifications and In-Vitro Biological Properties.

3D printing is attracting considerable interest for its capacity to produce prototypes and small production runs rapidly. Fused deposit modeling (FDM) was used to produce polyvalent test plates for investigation of the physical, chemical, and in-vitro biological properties of printed materials. The polyvalent test plates (PVTPs) are poly-lactic acid cylinders, 14 mm in diameter and 3 mm in height.

Elucidating the mechanism of the considerable mechanical stiffening of DNA induced by the couple Zn/Calix[4]arene-1,3-O-diphosphorous acid.

The couple Calix[4]arene-1,3-O-diphosphorous acid (C4diP) and zinc ions (Zn) acts as a synergistic DNA binder. Silicon NanoTweezer (SNT) measurements show an increase in the mechanical stiffness of DNA bundles by a factor of >150, at Zn to C4diP ratios above 8, as compared to Zinc alone whereas C4diP alone decreases the stiffness of DNA. Electroanalytical measurements using 3D printed devices demonstrate a progression of events in the assembly of C4diP on DNA promoted by zinc ions.

Chemical growth and photochromism of silver nanoparticles into a mesoporous titania template.

Elaboration of mesoporous titanium oxide film supporting silver nanoparticles is described. Mesoporous titanium oxide films are characterized by TEM analysis. Titania films are infiltrated with a silver salt solution and chemical reduction treatments are performed using either a NaBH(4) or a formaldehyde solution.