Microalgae Ink Could Be Used for Environmentally-Friendly 3D Printing in Healthcare

Microalgae are a diverse group of microorganisms that photosynthesize and are estimated to produce around 50% of the world’s oxygen. As a renewable raw material, they already have numerous applications, for example in food production or energy generation. But now another exciting field of application is opening up for microalgae, as they could play a key role in medicine thanks to the use of 3D printing.

An international research team led by Prof. Dr. Eva Blasco from the Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials at Heidelberg University has developed the first microalgae ink for laser 3D printing of complex, biocompatible microstructures. Prof. Dr. Blasco emphasizes that petrochemical-based polymers have mainly been used so far, especially in the two-photon polymerization required for the production of microstructures. These polymers contribute to the depletion of fossil fuels, the release of greenhouse gases and often the use of toxic components. In contrast, the novel microalgae ink represents an environmentally friendly alternative.

Diatoms and aquatic microorganisms

Two types of algae were used that are particularly rich in fats in the form of triglycerides and are therefore ideal as “biofactories” for the production of sustainable materials: the diatom Odontella aurita and the green algae Tetraselmis striata. To produce the microalgae ink, the triglycerides are extracted from the algae and functionalized with acrylates to enable rapid curing. When exposed to light, the photoactive green dyes trigger a chemical reaction that hardens the microalgae ink. “In this way we avoid using potentially toxic additives like the photoinitiators used in conventional inks,” explains Clara Vazquez-Martel, PhD student in Eva Blasco’s research group at IMSEAM.