Biocompatibility characterization of cryogenically treated FDM printed thermoplastic polyurethane

Abstract

The utilization of Additive Manufacturing (AM) has ushered in a transformative era in healthcare, presenting unprecedented possibilities for medical applications. This trend has escalated the demand for 3D printing of medical-grade materials. Cryogenic treatment, a technique known to influence the structure and morphology of biocompatible thermoplastics like ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), holds promising potential for revolutionizing biomedical materials. The present study conducted a comprehensive biocompatibility assessment on untreated and deep cryogenically treated 3D printed TPU. Cryogenic treatment induced a roughly 2% decrease in contact angle, enhancing TPU's hydrophilicity. The Deep Cryogenic Treatment (DCT) did not exhibit any deteriorating impact on the 3D-printed TPU specimens. This study shows that the transformative potential of cryogenically treated TPU in biomedical contexts is profound and paves the way for potential breakthroughs in applying DCT on additively manufactured biomedical materials in healthcare.