Block Copolymers in 3D/4D Printing: Advances and Applications as Biomaterials

Politakos, Nikolaos

doi:10.3390/polym15020322

Cited by 9 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 110 publications

(168 reference statements)

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“…Thin films of BCPs can offer excellent chemical contrasts of nanoscopic dimensions that can be easily varied by altering the size and confinement direction of the nanodomains. BCPs can further be formulated to assemble into 3D scaffolds, even making the incorporation of 3D printing possible to fabricate tailored biomaterials [182]. Therefore, the BCPs' capability to produce well-controlled 2D and 3D nanopatterns in a facile and rapid manner can present distinctive advantages to the biomineralization field.…”

Section: Biomineral Nanocrystalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Self-Assembled Block Copolymers as a Facile Pathway to Create Functional Nanobiosensor and Nanobiomaterial Surfaces

Sytu,

Cho,

Hahm

2024

Polymers

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Block copolymer (BCP) surfaces permit an exquisite level of nanoscale control in biomolecular assemblies solely based on self-assembly. Owing to this, BCP-based biomolecular assembly represents a much-needed, new paradigm for creating nanobiosensors and nanobiomaterials without the need for costly and time-consuming fabrication steps. Research endeavors in the BCP nanobiotechnology field have led to stimulating results that can promote our current understanding of biomolecular interactions at a solid interface to the never-explored size regimes comparable to individual biomolecules. Encouraging research outcomes have also been reported for the stability and activity of biomolecules bound on BCP thin film surfaces. A wide range of single and multicomponent biomolecules and BCP systems has been assessed to substantiate the potential utility in practical applications as next-generation nanobiosensors, nanobiodevices, and biomaterials. To this end, this Review highlights pioneering research efforts made in the BCP nanobiotechnology area. The discussions will be focused on those works particularly pertaining to nanoscale surface assembly of functional biomolecules, biomolecular interaction properties unique to nanoscale polymer interfaces, functionality of nanoscale surface-bound biomolecules, and specific examples in biosensing. Systems involving the incorporation of biomolecules as one of the blocks in BCPs, i.e., DNA–BCP hybrids, protein–BCP conjugates, and isolated BCP micelles of bioligand carriers used in drug delivery, are outside of the scope of this Review. Looking ahead, there awaits plenty of exciting research opportunities to advance the research field of BCP nanobiotechnology by capitalizing on the fundamental groundwork laid so far for the biomolecular interactions on BCP surfaces. In order to better guide the path forward, key fundamental questions yet to be addressed by the field are identified. In addition, future research directions of BCP nanobiotechnology are contemplated in the concluding section of this Review.

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Section: Biomineral Nanocrystalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Self-Assembled Block Copolymers as a Facile Pathway to Create Functional Nanobiosensor and Nanobiomaterial Surfaces

Sytu,

Cho,

Hahm

2024

Polymers

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“…Among various materials for printing, functional diblock copolymer has emerged as a versatile platform of smart responsive materials for a wide range of applications including organic photonic coatings, biomaterials, and electronic devices . The block copolymer can self-assemble into nanostructures, which can be harnessed in the 4D printing .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deposition Patterns Induced by the Evaporation of the Cyclic Diblock Copolymer Solution Droplet

Zhang,

Pei,

Sun

2024

Macromolecules

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In this work, molecular dynamics simulations are performed to study the deposition patterns of the cyclic diblock copolymer solution nanodroplet on the solid surface (the wall). We focus on how the nonbonded interaction strength influences the deposition pattern and the evaporation process. The interaction strength includes the interaction between the wall and polymer blocks (ϵ AW and ϵ BW ), interaction between the solvent and wall (ϵ SW ), and interaction between polymer blocks (ϵ AB ). Conditions of the formation of various structures, such as multilayer and coffeering structures, are systematically studied. Diblock copolymers can generate ordered structures with multiple domains of polymer blocks. A detailed analysis indicates that the coffee-ring structure results from the shrinkage of interfaces, the heterogeneity of the solution, and the self-assembly of polymer loops. In addition, it is found that the evaporation flux of the droplet periphery is lower than that of the central area on the lyophilic wall. In the nanoscale droplet, the solute accumulation at the periphery retards the diffusion of solvents from entering the vapor phase and thus cannot be neglectable as in the macroscale model. This work helps to build up a guideline for the design of deposition patterns of the cyclic diblock copolymer solution nanodroplet, which paves the way for the application of the cyclic diblock copolymer to inkjet printing.

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“…This Special Issue has gathered scientific works from research groups examining various copolymers, indicating advances in architecture, functionalities, and applications. The total number of manuscripts (17) published in this Special Issue indicates the importance of BCPs and the fact that many research groups and relevant members of the scientific community are thoroughly interested in the advancement of block copolymers and their applications.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is shown in the study that block copolymers constantly evolve through new synthetic approaches and through the introduction of new blocks with stimulating properties. This review aims to manifest the use of block copolymers as a leading evolving player in 3D/4D printing and show the significant contribution of block copolymers in bio-applications with specific advances [17].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%