Pickering emulgels reinforced with host-guest supramolecular inclusion complexes for high fidelity direct ink writing

Bo Pang, Rubina Ajdary, Markus Antonietti, Orlando Rojas*, Svitlana Filonenko*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)
26 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Direct ink writing (DIW) of Pickering emulsions offers great potential for constructing on-demand objects. However, the rheological properties of fluid emulsions greatly undermines the shape fidelity and structural integrity of 3D-printed structures. We solve here these challenges and realize a new route towards complex constructs for actual deployment. A dynamic, supramolecular host-guest hydrogel based on poly(ethylene glycol) and α-cyclodextrin was synthesized in the continuous phase of cellulose nanocrystal-stabilized Pickering emulsions. The storage modulus of the obtained emulgels could reach up to ∼113 kPa, while being shear thinning and yielding precise printability. Diverse complex architectures were possible with high shape fidelity and structural integrity. The printed objects, for example a double-wall cylinder with 75 layers, demonstrated excellent dimensional stability (shrinkage of 7 ± 2% after freeze-drying). With the merits of a simple fabrication process and the high biocompatibility of all the components, the concept of dynamic supramolecular hydrogel-reinforced emulgels represent a potentially versatile route to construct new materials and structures VIA DIW for use in bioproducts and biomedical devices.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)835-840
Number of pages6
JournalMaterials Horizons
Volume9
Issue number2
Early online date14 Dec 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Feb 2022
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

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