Screening of modular supramolecular star polymers for 3D printing of biomedical devices

Identifying suitable materials for additive manufacturing and 3D printing is a challenging task and there is a need to streamline the processes to achieve more rapid adoption of new feedstocks. We have developed a process of using modular supramolecular polymers where individual moieties can be modified in order to achieve a variance in properties. We synthesised a library of 64 polymers and performed a systematic sequence of screening steps to identify preferred candidates for an exemplar printing modality and application. The library was screened for materials amenable to inkjet based 3D printing, then refined to those that had mechanical and biological performance suitable for use in articular cartilage repair, and supported chondrocyte growth. The lead candidate was fabricated into macroscopic architectures with intricate designs, including structure of knee cartilage as a demonstrator of potential application. This strategy for screening materials for specific applications could accelerate the translation of new materials for additive manufacture of novel devices.