3D Bioplotter Research Papers

Photoresponsive soft liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) transform light’s energy into dynamic shape changes and are considered promising candidates for production of soft robotic or muscle-like devices. 3D printing allows access to elaborated geometries as well as control of the photoactuated movements; however, this development is still in its infancy and only a limited choice of LCE is yet available. Herein, we propose to introduce biocompatible and sustainable cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) into an LCE in order to facilitate the printing process by direct ink writing (DIW) and to benefit from the anisotropic mechanical properties resulting from the extrusion-induced alignment of such…