Novel Materials and Platforms for Light-based Additive Manufacturing of Synthetic Biological Composites

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is an enabling technology for the production of 3D objects from a variety of feedstocks and in demanding environments. While AM is currently undergoing a surge of innovation the majority of research has focused on improving the rapidity and properties of homogenous systems derived from a single material stock (filament, ink, resin, etc.).Heterogeneous composite systems based on a combination of synthetic and biological building blocks (i.e. microbes) have received less attention, even though their dynamic character could enable future Army applications.By extending AM to the precise control and distribution of multiple material domains and/or biological components, a wide array of useful materials can be prepared, spanning self-folding actuators and pressure sensors to biomedical devices. Success would have direct application in multiple areas of relevance to the Army.

Our scientific objectives are 1) Develop additive manufacturing strategies for synthetic biological materials and composites. 2) 3D printing formulations based on peptide gelators will be designed and used for the preparation of composites containing biological components for enhanced material performance and modularity. 3) Novel monomers based on dynamic bonds will be conceived and their use in innovative photochemical AM strategies for interoperability and repurposing studied.