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The molecular gelator N-heptyl-D-galactonamide can be 3D printed by a solvent exchange process. A solution of the molecular gelator in dimethylsulfoxyde (DMSO) is injected in a bath of water. Gelation is fast, triggered by the diffusion of water inside the dimethylsulfoxide jet.
Recipe
Adapt a syringe with a blunt tip needle (22 or 23 G) to a head following a XYZ 3D pattern with a printing speed of 3 mm/s. Inject the solution of the molecular gelator N-heptyl-D-galactonamide in DMSO (40 mg/mL) at a flow rate of 10 µL/min in the water bath (the blunt tip plunges in a stationary bath of water close to the bottom surface). The gel sets within a few seconds in contact with water.
Publication
- Chalard, A.; Mauduit, M.; Souleille, S.; Joseph, P.; Malaquin, L.; Fitremann, J. 3D Printing of a Biocompatible Low Molecular Weight Supramolecular Hydrogel by Dimethylsulfoxide Water Solvent Exchange. Additive Manufacturing 2020, 33, 101162.