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  3. Protein-polymer Networks with Mechanoactive Protein Junctions for Sustainable Additive Manufacturing

Protein-polymer Networks with Mechanoactive Protein Junctions for Sustainable Additive Manufacturing

Date: 
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 - 12:45 to 14:00
Speaker: 
Dr. Alshakim Nelson
Affiliation: 
Department of Chemistry, University of Washington
Event Category: 
LMC - Lectures in Modern Chemistry
Host: 
Dr. Zachary Hudson
Location: 
Chemistry B250

Abstract:

Bio-sourced and biodegradable polymers for additive manufacturing could enable the rapid fabrication of parts for a broad spectrum of applications ranging from healthcare to aerospace. However, a limited number of these materials are suitable for vat photopolymerization processes.  Herein, we report a process to fabricate protein-based constructs using commercially available vat photopolymerization printers. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is a single-chain nanoparticle that can be chemically derivatized with acrylate and methacrylate functionalities. Aqueous resins were formulated from these materials to produce complex 3D geometrical constructs with a resolution comparable to commercial resins. While BSA is often used in cell culture protocols and diagnostic assays, we demonstrate that BSA can serve as junctions within polymer networks to afford stiff hydrogels and bioplastics with unique physical properties. Protein-based shape-memory objects and engineered living materials were 3D printed and will be highlighted as opportunities for future applications.

References

  1. Yu, S.; Sadaba, N.; Sanchez-Rexach, E.; Hilburg, S. L.; Pozzo, L. D.; Altin-Yavuzarslan, G.; Liz-Marzan, L. M.; Aberasturi, D. J.; Sardon, H.; Nelson, A. 4D Printed Protein-AuNR Nanocomposites with Photothermal Shape Recovery. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2024, In Press.
  2. Smith, P. T.; Altin, G.; Millik, S. C.; Narupai, B.; Sietz, C.; Park, J. O.; and Nelson, A. Methacrylated Bovine Serum Albumin and Tannic Acid Composite Materials for Three-Dimensional Printing Tough and Mechanically Functional Parts. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2022, 14, 21418.
  3. Sanchez-Rexach, E.; Smith, P.T.; Gomez-Lopez, A.; Fernandez, M., Cortajarena, A.L.; Sardon, H.; Nelson, A. 3D-Printed Bioplastics with Shape-Memory Behavior Based on Native Bovine Serum Albumin. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2021, 13, 19193.
  4. Smith, P. T.; Narupai, B.; Tsui, J. H.; Millik, S. C.; Shafranek, R. T.; Kim, D. H.; Nelson, A. Additive Manufacturing of Bovine Serum Albumin-Based Hydrogels and Bioplastics. Biomacromolecules 2020, 21, 484.