| Abstract Scope |
Custom biomaterials as inks for 3D printing (BioInks) have been explored to curate features to eliminate device failures caused by structural delamination. In this study, BioInks composed of diacrylated polyethylene glycols of varying molecular weights have been investigated for their inherent swelling, soft mechanical strength, non-reactivity, and biocompatibility. These BioInks have been tuned to be photo-sensitive to a range of wavelengths using a panel of photo-initiator and photo-absorber additives. Modifying viscoelastic and UV-sensitive properties yields cross-platform Bio-Ink compositions that can be printed across stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), and direct ink extrusion technologies. 3D-printed seamless hydrogel tubes are great candidates for fabricating biomedical devices that exhibit controlled reactions triggered by shear or compressive pressure changes in their microenvironment as experienced within target organs in the body. These tubes embedded with pressure-sensing circuitry can dynamically monitor the pressure changes within fluid-filled organs, such as the eyes, to monitor glaucoma. |