Optimization of a High Internal Phase Emulsion-Based Resin for Use in Commercial Vat Photopolymerization Additive Manufacturing.

High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) are potential stereolithography-based resins for producing innovative lightweight porous materials; however, the use of these resins has only been shown in bespoke stereolithography setups. These studies indicated that HIPEs tend to scatter the light during structuring through stereolithography, and can produce poorly defined and low-resolution structures, but the inclusion of light absorbers can drastically increase the printing resolution. In this study, we focused on the inclusion of biocompatible light absorbers within the resin and the compatibility of those resins with a commercial vat photopolymerization additive manufacturing (or stereolithography) setup.

Demonstrating the Potential of Using Bio-Based Sustainable Polyester Blends for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications.

Healthcare applications are known to have a considerable environmental impact and the use of bio-based polymers has emerged as a powerful approach to reduce the carbon footprint in the sector. This research aims to explore the suitability of using a new sustainable polyester blend (Floreon™) as a scaffold directed to aid in musculoskeletal applications. Musculoskeletal problems arise from a wide range of diseases and injuries related to bones and joints.

Characterizing Cross-Linking Within Polymeric Biomaterials in the SEM by Secondary Electron Hyperspectral Imaging.

A novel capability built upon secondary electron (SE) spectroscopy provides an enhanced cross-linking characterization toolset for polymeric biomaterials, with cross-linking density and variation captured at a multiscale level. The potential of SE spectroscopy for material characterization has been investigated since 1947. The absence of suitable instrumentation and signal processing proved insurmountable barriers to applying SE spectroscopy to biomaterials, and consequently, capturing SE spectra containing cross-linking information is a new concept.

The Tissue-Engineered Vascular Graft-Past, Present, and Future.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, with this trend predicted to continue for the foreseeable future. Common disorders are associated with the stenosis or occlusion of blood vessels. The preferred treatment for the long-term revascularization of occluded vessels is surgery utilizing vascular grafts, such as coronary artery bypass grafting and peripheral artery bypass grafting.