TAGS: Inks
Researchers from University of Seville and University of Nottingham, have produce first image of stabilized gold nanoparticles with biocompatible and biodegradable systems achieved with 3D-printing methods. The logo of the University of Seville was the image selected for this test.
The research team, headed by Ana Alcudia Cruz of the department of organic and pharmaceutical chemistry at the University of Seville, teamed up with Rafael Prado Gotor of department of physical chemistry at the University of Seville, and Ricky Wilman, from University of Nottingham.
Multiple Prints with High Resolution
The study focused on the method known as inkjet printing. The technique provides benefits like high resolution and offers the possibility to print more than one material at the time of the same printing process. Researchers have suggested manufacturing systems which utilizes personalized biosensors depending on gold’s biocompatibility and conductivity.
At present gold inks intended for inkjet printing are based on the metal’s nanoparticles. The gold inks are highly unstable since they easily bind together and cannot be printed with ease due to which, the development of easy-to-print, stale gold inks are useful.
Stable Gold Nanoparticles for Inkjet Printing
The researchers were able to utilize polymers, or polyurethanes, that have a comb structure; these polymers were developed by the researchers themselves to produce small gold nanoparticles. These nanoparticles have excellent stability that has been tested over time.
Several polymers were made from arabinose which reduced the polluting residues created by the conventional oil-derived polymers.
Arabinose polymer has been used for preparing gold nanoparticles for the first time. Such nanoparticles, acquired from three types of different chemically functionalized polymers, were found to be adequately small (a maximum dimension of 10 nm) to be printed in inkjet printing and remained stable for a minimum of six months.
The ink that exhibited the optimal balance of the properties was chosen and used to print the logo of the University of Seville. The image is the first-ever image of gold nanoparticles which were stabilized with biocompatible and biodegradable systems realized with 3D-printing methods.
Gold-based Biosensors for Pharmaceutical Applications
The breakthrough research will find use in the pharmaceutical sector to prepare gold-based biocompatible biosensors, which are effective in detecting tumor biomarkers and carcinogenic cells.
3D printing, is a perfect method for applications needing intricate personalization or geometries. 3D printing manufacturing based on layers reduces production costs associated with small-batch manufacturing products.
The aspect of low manufacturing costs and personalization has triggered an interest in the pharmaceutical sector, which has noticed a gateway to the complete personalization of treatment in this kind of technology.
Source: University of Seville