Abstract
The tendency to use cellulose fibrils for direct ink writing (DIW) of three-dimensional (3D) printing has been growing extensively due to their advantageous mechanical properties. However, retaining cellulose in its fibrillated forms after the printing process has always been a challenge. In this study, cellulose macrofibrils (CMFs) from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibers were partially dissolved for consistent viscosity needed for DIW 3D printing. The printed CMF structure obtained from optimized printing profiles (volumetric flow rate, Qv = 9.58 mm/s; print speed, v = 20 mm/s), exhibited excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength of 66 MPa, Young’s modulus of 2.16 GPa, and elongation of 8.76%). The remarkable structural and morphological effects of the intact cellulose fibrils show a homogeneous distribution with synthesized precipitated calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles. The shear-aligned CMF/CaCO3 printed composite exhibited a sustained therapeutic drug release profile that can reduce rapid release that has adverse effects on healthy cells. In comparison with the initial burst release of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by CaCO3, the controlled release of 5-fluorouracil can be varied (48 to 75%) with the composition of CMF/CaCO3 allowing efficient release over time.
Highlights
IntroductionThe 3D printing technology has been developing rapidly since its commercialization and extended into various deposition techniques, materials, curing methods, and times [1,2,3]
In the direct ink writing (DIW) technique, the viscosity of the solution is significant for smooth extrusion and maintaining the shape fidelity of the printed product
The cellulose macrofibrils (CMFs) printing ink was prepared by partial dissolution of isolated CMFs in LiOH/urea at concentrations between 3 and 9 wt.%
Summary
The 3D printing technology has been developing rapidly since its commercialization and extended into various deposition techniques, materials, curing methods, and times [1,2,3]. DIW 3D printing is one of the material extrusion techniques that print liquidbased materials into desired hydrogels for various types of applications [4,5,6,7]. In comparison with other biopolymers, the development of cellulose in the DIW printing method shows great potential in various applications, including medical, electronics, food, and textile applications [3,8]. The first demonstration of cellulose DIW was done by dissolving cellulose in an ionic solution and printing in a nonionic solvent (agar gel), regenerating the cellulose. The printed cellulose model was able to retain its shape until a height of
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