Overview of printable nanoparticles through inkjet process: Their application towards medical use

Abstract

Nowadays, the focus on the direct deposition of nanoparticles on different surfaces is quite popular among researchers. In this regard, inkjet printing has become a simple and valuable tool. Although other techniques have been developed for deposition purposes; however, these techniques are unprecise compared to inkjet printing. Some of them need high voltage, work only with particular material, require a high vacuum environment, and other processing parameters are necessary. In contrast, inkjet printing is an efficient method to directly deposit nanoparticles on different surfaces due to its simple working and guided deposition. Moreover, this technique can be used for large-scale deposition of nanoparticles to fabricate various devices. Inkjet printing involves the synthesis of nanoparticle ink, which becomes the prime objective for the ideal deposition of nanoparticles on different substrates. The overall viscosity and surface tension of the nanoparticle inks are essential for effective printing. In this review, we will discuss inkjet printing process, synthesis of different nanoparticle inks (e.g., carbon, silver, graphene, polymer/metal, and metal nanoparticles), and their post-deposition applications pertaining to biomedical use. Being a computer-operated technique for guided deposition of nanoparticles, inkjet printing becomes a minor wastage deposition technique. Moreover, using different substrates as printing material makes this technique quite versatile for deposition, thus increasing the application of printed nanoparticles in various fields.