Process for volumetric printing of a bio-compatible starting material
The use of dual color photoinitiators in a pH-adjusted polymerizable starting material for volumetric printing addresses scattering issues, achieving high-resolution, fast, and efficient production of bio-compatible materials without cell damage or support structures.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing volumetric printing techniques face challenges in printing bio-compatible materials due to scattering issues with larger biomolecules or cells, leading to lower resolution and potential cell damage, especially when using light-based methods.
A process for volumetric printing using a polymerizable starting material with a pH value of 5 to 9, comprising a photoinitiator, polymerizable compound, and water, which is photopolymerized by irradiating with dual wavelengths to trigger polymerization locally, utilizing dual color photoinitiators that switch between states to minimize unwanted curing and enable high-resolution printing without support structures.
This method allows for the fast, high-resolution printing of bio-compatible materials without cell damage, enabling the production of soft and fragile products with minimized quenching of polymerization by oxygen and water, and reduces the need for mechanical operations.
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Figure EP2025079155_16042026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Process for volumetric printing of a bio-compatible starting material
[0002] Field of invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a process for volumetric printing of a shaped body comprising locally polymerizing a bio-compatible starting material.
[0004] Background of Art
[0005] Among the many known techniques for additive manufacturing or 3D-printing, volumetric printing techniques offer several advantages, especially when the printed object is supposed to be used in a biological context (bioprinting). Volumetric printing techniques allow the formation of constructs with increased complexity compared to conventional 3D printing techniques, as they intrinsically don’t require support structures and allow for printing of soft hydrogel objects. Light based volumetric printing techniques comprise the solidification of specific voxels within a volume of a photopolymerizable resin. Volumetric printing technologies include, but are not limited to: xolography, computed axial lithography / tomographic reconstruction, multiphotonpolymerisation, or cone beam lithography.
[0006] In xolography, light of two different wavelengths is intersected in a volume of resin. At the intersection voxels a polymerization is induced, which cause the resin to solidify. By changing the positions of intersection in the volume a shaped body with a specific geometry can be solidified. The process can involve a photoswitchable photoinitiator and a co-initiator which has been disclosed in W02020245456A1 and W02021089090A1.
[0007] Another implementation of volumetric printing relies on two photon polymerization, where a common photoinitiator is excited by the simultaneous uptake of two photons, causing polymerization in the focus of a laser beam [S. Maruo et al., Opt Lett., 1997, 22, 132- 134]. Two photon polymerization requires costly and delicate setups with intense pulsed laser sources. Furthermore, the technique is inherently slow due to the nonlinearity of the process, reducing the achievable object size considerably.
[0008] Furthermore, the method of computed axial lithography or tomographic reconstruction has been developed, where the resin is illuminated with different light patterns from various angles. Due to the overlaying light an intensity distribution in the volume is generated, which causes curing wherever a certain threshold is exceeded. The light patterns which are required to form a three-dimensional object are calculated before in a similar way to a reverse process of computer tomographic analysis [Kelly et al., US20180326666A1, 2018; Shusteff et al., US20180015672A1, 2018; Delrot et al. W02019043529A1, 2019].
[0009] In a similar approach to the method of computed axial lithography or tomographic reconstruction, cone beam lithography has been proposed by VitrosD. In cone beam lithography an image is projected, wherein the image size increases with increasing distance from the light source. More specifically the light path can be in a cone shape or truncated cone shape or in a shape which resembles a pyramid or truncated pyramid with a quadratic or rectangular base. By moving the light source relative to the resin, each voxel of the resin can experience irradiation from different angles. By changing the image for each relative position of irradiation and resin, each voxel can absorb a specific light dose leading to solidification of the resin in the shape of the voxels which have absorbed a light dose above a threshold light dose. As such the method of cone beam lithography can be similar to the reverse process of cone beam reconstruction.
[0010] Although volumetric printing may offer several advantages for printing a bio-compatible material, the development of such materials has been restricted to certain limitations. Typical bio-compatible materials may include larger biomolecules or even cells. Cells or larger biomolecules such as proteins may cause scattering, which is a serious problem in volumetric printing as the light has to penetrate into the volume. Scattering media typically lead to a lower resolution of the printed object, if the object is printable at all. In materials which include cells, the cells may be harmed during the irradiation process. Scattering and cell damage could be reduced by using longer wavelength irradiation such as visible light or near-infrared light irradiation.
[0011] In volumetric printing no bio-compatible material has been developed, which can be solidified with visible light.
[0012] It is, therefore, the object of the present invention to provide a process for volumetric printing of a shaped body overcoming drawbacks of the prior art, especially to provide a process allowing volumetric printing of a shaped body from a bio-compatible starting material.
[0013] Disclosure of the invention
[0014] The object of the present invention is achieved by a process for volumetric printing of a shaped body comprising locally polymerizing a starting material, comprising: providing a polymerizable starting material, wherein the polymerizable starting material comprises a photoinitiator; a polymerizable compound; a bio-co-initiator; and water; and the polymerizable starting material has a pH value from 5 to 9; photopolymerizing the polymerizable starting material in a local volume by irradiating at least light of a first wavelength.
[0015] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a process for volumetric printing of a shaped body comprising locally polymerizing a starting material, comprising: providing a polymerizable starting material, wherein the polymerizable starting material comprises a photoinitiator; a polymerizable compound; water; and the polymerizable starting material has a pH value from 5 to 9; photopolymerizing the polymerizable starting material in a local volume by irradiating at least light of a first wavelength.
[0016] Volumetric printing in terms of the present disclosure refers to a process in which the not yet (completely) polymerized material is already in a defined volume (local volume) or container (defining the local volume) at the beginning of the printing process, i.e. the beginning of the photopolymerizing. Preferably, the defined volume / container is not moved at all or only as a whole. This is different from a process where, for example, the material is also in a container at the start of the printing process, but the movement of a build plate causes movement within the material.
[0017] The term volumetric printing as referred to herein encompasses technologies such as xolography, tomographic backprojection (CAL) and cone beam lithography (also known as parallax volumetric additive manufacturing as described e.g. in WO 2024 / 163474 Al).
[0018] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a process for volumetric printing or 3Dprinting / additive manufacturing of a shaped body comprising locally polymerizing a starting material, comprising: providing a polymerizable starting material, wherein the polymerizable starting material comprises a photoinitiator; a polymerizable compound; optionally a bio-co-initiator; and water; and the polymerizable starting material has a pH value from 5 to 9; photopolymerizing the polymerizable starting material in a local volume by irradiating at least light of a first wavelength. In this regard, “3D printing / additive manufacturing” shall be understood as a collective term encompassing inter alia methods in which the light triggers polymerisation, especially DLP / SLA printing, preferably DLP printing. DLP printing, or Digital Light Processing printing, is a type of 3D printing technology that uses light to cure liquid resin into solid parts, layer by layer. It is part of the vat photopolymerization family, similar to SLA (Stereolithography), but differs in how it projects light. SLA printing, or Stereolithography, is one of the earliest and most precise forms of 3D printing that uses a laser to cure liquid resin into solid parts. Like DLP, it belongs to the vat photopolymerization category, but it uses a different method for curing each layer. The polymerizable starting material may contain the following parts by weight:
[0019] 1 -99.9999 wt%, preferably 5-99.99 wt%, more preferably 20-99.9 wt% of photopolymerizable compound(s), e.g. monomer(s);
[0020] 0-50wt%, preferably 1-40 wt%, more preferably 3-10 wt% of bio-co-initiator, when the co-initiator does not contain photopolymerizable groups; if present, 0.0001-20 wt%, preferably 0.001-10 wt%, more preferably 0.01-5 wt%, most preferably 0.1-1 wt% of dual color photoinitiator; additionally or alternatively 0.25-20 wt%, preferably 0.5-15 wt%, more preferably 1-7.5 wt%, most preferably 2-5 wt% of photoinitiator
[0021] 1- 99 wt%, preferably 50-99 wt%, more preferably 70-95 wt% of water.
[0022] All weight percentages are given with respect to the weight of the total polymerizable starting material.
[0023] In one embodiment, the polymerizable starting material is photopolymerized in a local volume by irradiating light of a first wavelength and light of a second wavelength, wherein the light of the first wavelength and the light of the second wavelength can be intersected in the local volume.
[0024] In one embodiment,
[0025] - the photoinitiator is converted by sequential optical excitation into a reactive state in which the photoinitiator locally triggers polymerization of the polymerizable starting material;
[0026] - the photopolymerizing comprises irradiating the starting material in the local volume further with light of a second wavelength, different from the first wavelength, into the local volume;
[0027] - the photoinitiator is converted, due to the absorption of the light of the first wavelength, from an initial state in which the photoinitiator substantially does not absorb the light of the second wavelength, into an intermediate state with changed optical properties compared to the initial state, such that the photoinitiator in the intermediate state absorbs the light of the second wavelength; and - the photoinitiator is transferred from the intermediate state to the reactive state due to the absorption of the light of the second wavelength, which triggers the polymerization locally.
[0028] In this embodiment, a process for volumetric printing of a shaped body from a starting material by means of dual color photopolymerization is provided. Here a polymerizable starting material is provided which contains a photoinitiator (= photoinitiator molecules) which can be converted by means of sequential optical excitation with several wavelengths into a reactive state in which the photoinitiator molecules locally trigger a polymerization of the starting material, in particular a local curing or hardening of the starting material due to the polymerization. The starting material is photopolymerized in a local volume by irradiating light of a first wavelength simultaneously with or followed by light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength into the local volume.
[0029] In the local volume is provided that, by absorption of a photon of the first wavelength, the photoinitiator molecules are converted from an initial state, in which the photoinitiator molecules do not substantially absorb the light of the second wavelength, to an intermediate state with optical properties different from those of the initial state, in such a way that the photoinitiator molecules in the intermediate state absorb the light of the second wavelength and enter the reactive state. In the local volume, due to the gradual absorption of the light of the first wavelength and the light of the second wavelength, the photoinitiator molecules are transferred from the initial state via the intermediate state into the reactive state, which locally triggers polymerization. Outside of the local volume the photoinitiator molecules which have been in the intermediate state return to the initial state.
[0030] According to another aspect, an apparatus for local polymerization of a starting material by means of dual color photopolymerization is created. The apparatus comprises the following: a container for a polymerizable starting material, light generating means arranged to provide light of a first wavelength and light of a second wavelength, the second wavelength being different from the first wavelength, and light guide means arranged to irradiate the light of the first wavelength and the light of the second wavelength into a local volume. The apparatus is arranged to perform the following processes: taking up the polymerizable starting material by the container, the starting material containing photoinitiator molecules which can be converted by means of sequential optical excitation into a reactive state in which the photoinitiator molecules locally trigger polymerization of the starting material, and thus result in photopolymerization of the starting material in a local volume by means of irradiation of the light of the first wavelength and the light of the second wavelength in a defined local volume. The following is provided in the local volume: the photoinitiator molecules are converted from an initial state, in which the photoinitiator molecules essentially do not absorb the light of the second wavelength, into an intermediate metastable ground state with changed optical properties compared to the initial state due to absorption of a photon of the first wavelength, in such a way that the photoinitiator molecules in the intermediate state absorb the light of the second wavelength. In the local volume, due to the gradual absorption of light of the first wavelength and light of the second wavelength, the photoinitiator molecules are converted from the initial state via the intermediate state into the reactive state, which locally triggers polymerization. Outside of the local volume the photoinitiator molecules which have been in the intermediate state return to the initial state. According to one aspect, the apparatus for local polymerization of a starting material by means of dual color photopolymerization can comprise a container which can be at least partially filled with the photopolymerizable starting material.
[0031] According to another aspect, the container can comprise a working volume, wherein the working volume comprises the photopolymerizable starting material, especially the volume of the photopolymerizable starting material, which is irradiated with light of at least one of light of a first wavelength and light of a second wavelength.
[0032] According to one aspect, the light of the first wavelength is provided as a light sheet and the light of the second wavelength is provided as an image, wherein the position of the light sheet with respect to the working volume can be changed, preferably in a translational motion, and the image can be changed depending on the position of light sheet. To give an example, a container containing the photopolymerizable starting material is moved relative to a light sheet, while a movie is projected onto the light sheet from an orthogonal direction.
[0033] In the process for volumetric printing of a shaped body, the local photopolymerisation leads to hardening or curing of the starting material and thus to production of the shaped body.
[0034] The absorptive capacity of the photoinitiator molecules in the intermediate state with respect to light of the second wavelength can be based on a change in the optical properties of the photoinitiator molecules, by which the absorptive capacity for light of the second wavelength is initially formed, in particular in that a spectral absorption band is formed in the region of the second wavelength due to the transition from the initial state to the intermediate state. Alternatively, it can be provided that an absorption band for light of the second wavelength already existing in the initial state of the photoinitiator molecules is amplified or enlarged in the intermediate state.
[0035] In the intermediate state, the photoinitiator molecules in the range of the first wavelength may be still absorbing or no longer absorbing. More preferred, the photoinitiator molecules in the intermediate state may substantially not absorb the light of the first wavelength. Most preferred, the photoinitiator molecules in the intermediate state may not absorb the light of the first wavelength.
[0036] In one aspect, the intermediate state may return thermally at the printing temperature in the printing resin to the initial state. Preferably, the intermediate state may return thermally at the printing temperature to the initial state in a mechanism with one or more rate constants with the highest rate constant higher than k=o.oi s1. Especially preferably, at least one rate constant for the thermal back reaction is higher than 0.02 s1, more preferably, higher than 0.05 s’1, even more preferably higher than 0.08 s1, most preferably higher than 0.25 s1, but optionally not higher than 0.65 s1. Hence, at least one rate constant maybe in the range of 0.1 s1and 0.65 S’1, or any other range which may be formed from the values above. In the various embodiments, local photopolymerization in the local area can lead to hardening or curing of the starting material.
[0037] Light of the first and second wavelength can be irradiated simultaneously into the local volume. Light of the second wavelength can be irradiated into the local volume after the irradiation of the light of the first wavelength into the local volume has ended, the light of the second wavelength being irradiated before the end of a decay time of the intermediate state of the photoinitiator molecules.
[0038] Due to the absorption of light of the second wavelength, the photoinitiator molecules can be converted into a reactive state, which triggers polymerization in the local volume. It may be intended that this reactive state is produced in analogy to a Norrish type I reaction or a Norrish type II reaction which is known to the skilled person. Alternatively, it maybe intended that this reactive state undergoes an electron transfer reaction with a co-initiator.
[0039] Dual color photoinitiators can be used, which respond to electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength by switching from a thermodynamically stable state A to a metastable state B. B is able to absorb electromagnetic radiation of a second wavelength, thereby forming C, that can initiate a polymerization reaction. B can undergo a fast thermal reverse reaction to form A and is then deactivated for electromagnetic radiation of the second wavelength. Application of such dual color photoinitiators allows the curing of a photopolymerizable resin in any volume, where electromagnetic radiation of both wavelengths intersects, for example where an image is projected on a light sheet. Certain substitution patterns ensure a fast thermal back reaction and no curing with the first wavelength alone, preventing the curing in unwanted areas. Application of the disclosed dual color photoinitiators in a polymerizable mixture allows fast volumetric printing with high resolution. No support structures are required, which saves material and allows for the fabrication of soft and fragile products. A broad range of possible resin viscosities can be covered, and high reactivity is achieved, due to minimized quenching of the polymerization by oxygen and water. The utilization of the disclosed dual color photoinitiators allows faster printing than common photopolymerization based additive manufacturing techniques due to fewer mechanical operations.
[0040] The dual color photoinitiators may be characterized in a way that a polymerization is induced where electromagnetic radiation of two different wavelengths interacts with the same volume of polymerizable material in a simultaneous or consecutive fashion. In volumes which interact with electromagnetic irradiation of only one wavelength, less or no polymerization is induced.
[0041] A dual color photoinitiator in the thermodynamically stable form A may absorb a photon from electromagnetic radiation of the first wavelength which induces an isomerization reaction to the metastable form B. The dual color photoinitiator in the metastable form B absorbs a photon from electromagnetic radiation of the second wavelength, which results in an excited state C and further causes the formation of radicals by hydrogen abstraction from a co-initiator followed by electron transfer or decomposition into radicals, by electron transfer which is followed by hydrogen abstraction or decomposition into radicals, or homolytic bond cleavage which can be preceded or followed by other rearrangement reactions to form radicals. Dual color photoinitiators in the metastable state B which have not absorbed a photon from electromagnetic radiation of the second wavelength, return spontaneously via a thermal process to the thermodynamically stable state A.
[0042] The dual color photoinitiators may carry carbonyl functions which are weak triplet sensitizers for spiropyrans and related structures and therefore show no curing with UV light alone. Electromagnetic radiation of the first wavelength causes excitation of the initiator in form A and switching to the initiator in form B mainly via a singlet state. The efficient ring opening reaction of the photoswitch motif prevents the dual color initiators from radical formation by irradiation with the first wavelength alone. The merocyanine type form B can act as an internal triplet sensitizer upon irradiation with the second wavelength, which causes the carbonyl group to abstract a hydrogen atom from a co-initiator, undergo an electron transfer reaction, or undergo homolytic bond cleavage. The substituents are chosen in a way to minimize or extinguish the absorption of the merocyanine type form B at the first wavelength and that form B is thermodynamically destabilized to ensure a fast thermal back reaction from B to A. Furthermore, the disclosed dual color initiators benefit from an exceptionally low or neglectable quantum yield for the competing photoreaction from B to A and high extinction coefficients of the B form, where form A does not absorb. The merocyanine form B typically has a broad absorption in the visible region, which allows for high intensities over a broad range of wavelengths.
[0043] According to one aspect the intermediate state B can be an excited triplet state and / or the reactive state C can be a higher excited state, preferably a higher excited triplet state.
[0044] Due to the absorption of the light of the second wavelength, the photoinitiator molecules can be converted into a reactive state which triggers a radical polymerization in the local volume.
[0045] Alight beam of light of the first wavelength and a light beam of light of the second wavelength can be irradiated in the local volume at least partially overlapping.
[0046] A light sheet of light of the first wavelength and an image projection of light of the second wavelength can be irradiated in the local volume at least partially overlapping.
[0047] The starting material can be polymerized in several local volumes by means of photo polymerization and thus a three-dimensional shaped body can be produced in the starting material.
[0048] The dual color initiators are not limited to a specific setup, but to give an illustrative example which shows the necessity of the thermal back reaction the following setup can be used: Volumetric printing can be conducted in a setup, which consists of a light sheet generator, a projector, a container that has four transparent sides and contains the resin including at least one of the disclosed dual color photoinitiators and a moveable stage to move either the container or the light sheet generator. Such a setup ensures a fast curing process over the whole volume, compared to the point by point setups described by Swainson [Swainson, US4041476, US4078229, US4238840, US4466080, US4471470, US4333165]. One layer of a volume is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength to switch the dual color photoinitiators from A to B. An image is projected on that layer from a different direction, using electromagnetic radiation of the second wavelength, which induces a photopolymerization, where image and layer overlay. After a given amount of time, the electromagnetic radiation of the first wavelength is shifted to a neighboring layer and the next image is projected on this layer with electromagnetic radiation of the second wavelength. In the previous layer no further polymerization occurs due to the fast thermal back reaction to the A form, which causes a deactivation for electromagnetic radiation of the second wavelength. After a number of iteration steps, the 3-dimensional object is cured in the volume and can be taken out, or the residual resin can be washed away. The remaining object can be subjected to a post-processing.
[0049] In one embodiment,
[0050] - the light of the first wavelength is irradiated into the local volume from a first direction and from a second direction different from the first direction;
[0051] - the light of the first wavelength irradiated into the local volume from the first direction has a first intensity or a first intensity distribution;
[0052] - the light of the first wavelength irradiated into the local volume from the second direction has a second intensity or a second intensity distribution
[0053] The first intensity or first intensity distribution can be different from the second intensity or second intensity distribution. The first intensity can be different from the second intensity. The first intensity distribution can be different from the second intensity distribution
[0054] Irradiating the photopolymerizable starting material from at least two different directions (including the first direction and the second direction) can be achieved by at least one of:
[0055] - motion of the local volume relative to at least one (static) radiation device emitting light of a first wavelength;
[0056] - motion of at least one radiation device emitting the light of the first wavelength relative to the (static) local volume
[0057] - motion of the local volume and motion of at least one irradiation device emitting the light of a first wavelength.
[0058] As such, the local volume and / or the radiation device can be moveably supported in at least one degree of freedom of motion which can be or comprise a translate ry and / or rotatory degree of freedom of motion.
[0059] In either case, irradiating the photopolymerizable starting material can be effected simultaneously or sequentially with moving the local volume relative to the at least one radiation device. Typically, the resulting intensity distribution within the local volume depends on the intensity of the light, the irradiation direction, the irradiation location, the absorption properties of the photopolymerizable staring material and the absorption properties of the photopolymerized material, respectively.
[0060] The irradiating of the photopolymerizable starting material with light of the first wavelength into the local volume can be performed wherein the working volume is not moved relative to a radiation device and the radiation device is shaped in a way that light emitted from the radiation device travels different distances from the radiation device to the local volume, for example is shaped as conical or pyramidal. One or more radiation device(s) can be used emitting the light of the first wavelength at a specific angle or a range of angles with respect to the surface of the photopolymerizable starting material, which includes other angles than 90°, preferably at least two angles different from 90°.
[0061] The light of the first wavelength can be irradiated into the local volume from more than two different directions (first direction, second direction, third direction etc.), preferably from five or more different directions.
[0062] The light of the first wavelength can be irradiated into the local volume in the form of an image, wherein the same image or different images can be irradiated from the different directions (first direction, second direction, third direction etc.). The light of the first wavelength maybe irradiated into the local volume in parallel or diverging.
[0063] The intensity of the light of the first wavelength irradiated into the local volume from a first direction and the intensity of the light of the first wavelength irradiated into the local volume from a second direction (and optionally that of any further direction) may be selected to maximize the absorbed light (absorbed dose) in the local volume (to be polymerized) and to minimize the absorbed light (absorbed dose) in the remaining volume (not to be polymerized). It may be provided that the local volume (to be polymerized) is a volume in which a threshold of absorbed light is exceeded.
[0064] According to one aspect the polymerizable starting material has an optical density referring to an optical path length of 10 mm according to the Beer-Lambert law of 0.1 at at least one wavelength between 400 nm and 2000 nm, preferably at least one wavelength between 450 nm and 1900 nm, more preferably at least one wavelength between 500 nm and 1800 nm, even more preferably at least one wavelength between 600 nm and 1700 nm, still more preferably at least one wavelength between 800 nm and 1600 nm, most preferably at least one wavelength between 1000 nm and 1500 nm or any other ranges formed from values above. Alternatively, the polymerizable starting material is characterized by an optical density referring to an optical path length of 10 mm according to the Beer- Lambert law of 0.1 at at least one wavelength between 400 nm and 1000 nm, preferably at least one wavelength between 450 nm and 900 nm, more preferably at least one wavelength between 500 nm and 800 nm. The optical density can be measured using a Cary 60 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer from Agilent Technologies.
[0065] According to another aspect, the light of the first wavelength comprises light at least one wavelength between 400 nm and 1000 nm, wherein the highest intensity or peak emission is at a wavelength between 400 nm and 1000 nm, preferably at a wavelength between 450 nm and 900 nm, more preferably at a wavelength between 500 nm and 800 nm. According to this aspect, preferably only light of a first wavelength is irradiated into the local volume.
[0066] The first wavelength and / or the second wavelength can comprise a range of wavelengths, respectively.
[0067] According to one aspect, the light of the first wavelength and the light of the second wavelength each comprises light of at least one wavelength between 300 nm and 1000 nm, wherein the highest intensity or peak emission of the light of the first wavelength is at a lower wavelength than the wavelength of the highest intensity or peak emission of the light of the second wavelength.
[0068] Typical polymerization parameters which are suitable for volumetric printing may be:
[0069] - any setup which employs light as described above;
[0070] - a temperature of -20 °C to +100 °C; preferably o °C to +60 °C, more preferably +20 °C to + 60 °C
[0071] - a first wavelength of: 300 nm to 500 nm; preferably, 325 nm to 450 nm, more preferably 350 nm to 425 nm and
[0072] - if used, a second wavelength of: 350 nm toiooo nm, preferably 450 nm to 900 nm, more preferably 500 nm to 800 nm.
[0073] To prevent migration and release of remaining photoinitiator and / or their reaction products from the cured object the following measures are disclosed: a) Substitution in a way, that the molecular weight exceeds 1000 g / mol b) Binding of the photoinitiator to a structure of higher molecular weight, such as an oligomer or a polymer c) Functionalization of the initiator with polymerizable groups, which are build in the polymer network during curing, these include but are not limited to: acrylates, acrylamides, methacrylates, thiol + ene, epoxides, oxiranes, oxetanes, vinylethers.
[0074] The polymerizable starting material may have a pH value selected from the group consisting of from 5.5 to 8.5, from 6 to 8, from 6.6 to 7.5, and from 7 to 8, such as about 7.4.
[0075] The bio-co-initiator may have a pKa value selected from the group consisting of from 4.5 to 8, from 5 to 8, from 5.5 to 8, from 6 to 8, from 6.1 to 7.9, from 6.2 to 7.8, from 6.20 to 7.76, from 6-3 to 7.5, from 6.4 to 7.3, from 6.48 to 7.19, from 6.2 to 6.8, from 6.3 to 6.7, from 6.4 to 6.6, such as about 6.48.
[0076] The pKa value of a bio-co-initiator can refer to the pKa of the bio-co-initiator at infinite dilution (bio-co-initiator concentrations) and 25°C in water. Typical procedures to determine the pKa value of a bio-co-initiator and pKa values for specific compounds, which can be used as bio-co- initiators can be found in “CRC Handbook of Chemistry & Physics, 93th edition: Dissociation Constants of Organic Acids and Bases” or “Goldberg, R. N., Kishore, N., Lennen, R. M. J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data, 31, 2002, 231-370”
[0077] The bio-co-initiator maybe an amine comprising at least one beta-hydroxy group or a borate salt comprising a borate anion and a cation, wherein the cation maybe selected from the group consisting of H+, Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, preferably the cation is Li+. The bio-co-initiator may be an amine comprising 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 beta-hydroxy group(s). The bio-co-initiator maybe an amine comprising two amine groups and 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 beta-hydroxy group(s). The bio-co-initiator maybe an amine comprising 1, 2, 4, or 5 beta-hydroxy group(s). The bio-co-initiator may be an amine comprising at least four beta-hydroxy groups. The bio- co-initiator may be an amine comprising 4 or 5 beta-hydroxy groups. The bio-co-initiator may be an amine comprising 5 beta-hydroxy groups.
[0078] The bio-co-initiator may be a tertiary amine comprising 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 beta-hydroxy group(s). The bio-co-initiator may be a tertiary amine comprising 1, 2, 4, or 5 beta-hydroxy group(s). The bio-co-initiator may be a tertiary amine comprising at least four beta-hydroxy groups. The bio-co-initiator may be a tertiary amine comprising 4 or 5 beta-hydroxy groups. The bio-co- initiator maybe a tertiary amine comprising 5 beta-hydroxy groups.
[0079] The bio-co-initiator maybe an amine comprising at least one 2-hydroxy-propyl group. The bio- co-initiator may be an amine comprising one 2-hydroxy-propyl group. The bio-co-initiator may be an amine comprising 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 2-hydroxy-propyl group(s). The bio-co-initiator maybe an amine comprising 4, or 5 2-hydroxy-propyl groups. The bio-co-initiator maybe an amine comprising more than five 2-hydroxy-propyl groups.
[0080] The bio-co-initiator may be a tertiary amine comprising at least one 2-hydroxy-propyl group. The bio-co-initiator maybe a tertiary amine comprising two amine groups and at least one 2- hydroxy-propyl group. The bio-co-initiator maybe a tertiary amine comprising one 2-hydroxy- propyl group. The bio-co-initiator maybe a tertiary amine comprising 1, 2, 3, 4, or 52-hydroxy- propyl group(s). The bio-co-initiator may be a tertiary amine comprising 4, or 5 2-hydroxy- propyl groups. The bio-co-initiator may be a tertiary amine comprising more than five 2- hydroxy-propyl groups.
[0081] The bio-co-initiator maybe an amine comprising at least one beta- or gamma-sulfonate group. The bio-co-initiator may be an amine comprising one beta- or gamma-sulfonate. The bio-co- initiator may be a tertiary amine comprising at least one beta- or gamma-sulfonate. The bio- co-initiator may be a tertiary amine comprising one beta- or gamma-sulfonate. In this regard, it is preferred that the corresponding cation in the beta- or gamma-sulfonate groups is independently selected from the group consisting of H+, D+Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, more preferably H+, Na+, and K+.
[0082] The bio-co-initiator may be an amine comprising at least one beta-sulfonate group. The bio- co-initiator may be an amine comprising one beta-sulfonate group. The bio-co-initiator may be a tertiary amine comprising at least one beta-sulfonate group. The bio-co-initiator may be a tertiary amine comprising one beta-sulfonate group. In this regard, it is preferred that the corresponding cation in the beta-sulfonate group or groups is independently selected from the group consisting of H+, D+Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, more preferably H+, Na+, and K+.
[0083] The bio-co-initiator may be an amine functionalized with an ether in the beta position. The bio-co-initiator maybe a tertiary amine functionalized with an ether in the beta position. The bio-co-initiator maybe a tertiary amine functionalized with an amine in the beta position. The bio-co-initiator may comprise a morpholine structural moiety, a piperidine structural moiety, a piperazine structural moiety. The bio-co-initiator may be a tertiary amine comprising a morpholine structural moiety, a piperidine structural moiety, or a piperazine structural moiety, wherein the amine N is part of the morpholine structural moiety, the piperidine structural moiety, or the piperazine structural moiety.
[0084] Whenever reference is made to a specific number of specific functional groups in the bio-co- initiator or in another substance disclosed herein, it may be provided that the presence of further respective specific functional groups is excluded while other specific functional groups may be part of the bio-co-initiator. E.g. a bio-co-initiator comprising 4 or 5 beta-hydroxy groups may have exactly 4 or 5 beta-hydroxy groups and may comprise, in addition, other functional groups, such as, e.g. one or more beta-sulfonate groups.
[0085] The bio-co-initiator may be selected from “Good buffers” as disclosed in Goldberg, R. N., Kishore, N., Lennen, R. M. J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data, 31, 2002, 231-370 and the following compounds, preferably from the following compounds
[0086]
[0087] The bio-co-initiator may be borate salt, wherein the borate anion is represented by the following formula (I).
[0088] In formula (I), R1to R4maybe independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, allyl, arylalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alicyclic hydrocarbon and saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic groups. In formula (I), R1to R4may be independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl and aryl.
[0089] Representative examples of alkyl groups represented are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, stearyl, etc. The alkyl groups may be branched. Representative examples of branched alkyl groups include iso-propyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, neo-pentyl, isopentyl. The alkyl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted, for example, by one or more halogen, cyano, acyloxy, acyl, alkoxy or hydroxy groups. Representative examples of aryl groups represented are phenyl and naphthyl. The aryl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted, for example, by one or more halogen, cyano, acyloxy, alkyl, acyl, alkoxy or hydroxy group, preferably F or methyl. Alkylaryl may be methylphenyl, dimethyl phenyl, etc. A representative example of alkylaryl groups is benzyl. Representative alicyclic hydrocarbon groups include cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl groups. Examples of an alkynyl group include propynyl and ethynyl, and examples of alkenyl groups include a vinyl group.
[0090] Preferably, at least one but not more than three of R1to R4is an alkyl group. Each of R1to R4can contain up to 20 carbon atoms, and they typically contain 1 to 7 carbon atoms.
[0091] More preferably, R1to R4are selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, and arylalkyl group(s) and still more preferably R1to R3 are aryl, preferably phenyl, and preferably R4is alkyl, preferably butyl, that is, the borate anion may be a triarylalkylborate anion.
[0092] The cation of the borat salt can be selected from the group consisting of H+,D+, Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, preferably is Li+.
[0093] The photoinitiator may include a structural motif selected from the group consisting of a spiropyran structural motif, a spironaphthoxazine structural motif and a naphthopyran structural motif.
[0094] A spiropyran structural motif is a structure represented by the following formula (II)
[0095] R is selected from H, D, substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C4-alkyl, phenyl and benzyl. More preferred, R is methyl, -CH2-CH2-0H, phenyl or benzyl.
[0096] Suitable photoinitiators comprising a spiropyran structural motif are known, e.g., from WO 2020 / 245456 Al, W02023220461A1, and W02023034398A1
[0097] A spironaphthooxazine structural motif is a structure represented by one of the following formulas (Illa) to (IIIc)
[0098]
[0099] R is selected from H, D, substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C4-alkyl, phenyl and benzyl. More preferred, R is methyl, -CH2-CH2-0H, phenyl or benzyl.
[0100] Suitable photoinitiators comprising a spironaphthoxazine structural motif are known, e.g., from W02023220461A1 and W02023034404A1
[0101] A naphthopyran structural motif is a structure represented by the following formula (IVa) to (IVc)
[0102] Suitable photoinitiators comprising a naphthopyran structural motif are known, e.g., from W02023220461A1 and W02023034402A1
[0103] The spiropyran structural motif, the spironaphthooxazine structural motif and the naphthopyran structural motif may be substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from the group consisting of H; D; halogen; N02; CN; OH; SH; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20-alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C3-C2O-cycloalkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryl; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C42-heteroaryl; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C49-alkyl acyl; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C49-aryl acyl; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C2O-alkoxy; substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryloxy, and NH2; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20-alkyl ester; substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryl ester; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20alkyl amide; substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryl amide; NR’2, SiR’3, -O-SiR’3wherein R’ is independently selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20-alkyl and substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryl, two R’ may form a ring structure; substituted or unsubstituted carboxylic acids and salts thereof; substituted or unsubstituted sulfonic acids and salts thereof; substituted or unsubstituted sulfonic esters; substituted or unsubstituted sulfonic amides; formyl; ether, thioether; carbonate; carbonate ester; sulfates; boronic acids; boronic esters; phosphonic acids; phosphonic esters; phosphines; phosphates; peroxycarbonic acids; thiocarbonic acids; sulfinic acids; sulfinic esters; sulfonates; thiolesters, sulfoxides; sulfones; hydrazides; thioaldehydes; ketones; thioketones; oximes; hydrazines; nitroso; azo; diazo; diazonium; isocyanides; cyanate; isocyanate; thiocyanate; isothiocyanate; hydroperoxide; peroxide; acetals; ketal; orthoester; orthocarbonate esters; ammonium; imines; imides; azide; nitrate; isonitrile; nitrosoxy; substituted or unsubstituted carbamates; substituted or unsubstituted ethers; substituted or unsubstituted polyether carbamates; substituted or unsubstituted arylazo; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C20-alkynyl and substituted or unsubstituted C2-C20-alkenyl; wherein the one or more substituents, if present in one or more of the substituents on the spiropyran structural motif, the spironaphthooxazine structural motif or the naphthopyran structural motif, are independently selected from the group consisting of D; halogen; N02; CN, C2-C49-alkyl acyl; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C2O-alkoxy; substituted or unsubstituted C<- C48-aryloxy; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C49-aryl acyl; (meth)acrylate; tosyl; NH2; and OH; and / or wherein two adjacent groups on the spiropyran structural motif, the spironaphthooxazine structural motif or the naphthopyran structural motif may be linked to each other to form a fused ring structure, preferably, a fused aromatic Ce-ring. In a further embodiment, it may be provided that the photoinitiator contains a functional group which increases the solubility in water.
[0104] The photoinitiator may further comprise, besides the structural motif selected from the group consisting of a spiropyran structural motif, a spironaphthooxazine structural motif and a naphthopyran structural motif, at least one group selected from the group consisting of ammonium, polyethylene glycol, OH, NH2, S02NH2, sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid; boronic acid; phosphonic acid, phosphates; phosphonates; sulfates; sulfonates; and carboxylates.
[0105] The photoinitiator may further comprise, besides the structural motif selected from the group consisting of a spiropyran structural motif, a spironaphthooxazine structural motif and a naphthopyran structural motif, at least one group selected from the group consisting of ammonium, polyethylene glycol, OH, NH2, S02NH2, sulfonic acid, boronic acid; phosphonic acid, phosphates; phosphonates; sulfates; and sulfonates.
[0106] The photoinitiator may include a spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (V)
[0107] In the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (V), R1is an electron withdrawing group.
[0108] The electron withdrawing group may be selected from the group consisting of CN, F, N02, ester, alkyl acyl, aryl acyl, S02R’, such as SO2CF3, S02Me, or S02NH2, SF5, NR’3+, pyridinium, aldehyde, amide, halogen, and fluorinated alkyls or aryls, such as CF3.
[0109] Here alkyl acyl has the following formula and arylacyl has the following formula wherein the waved line represents the bond to the spiropyran structural motif. R is selected from H, D, substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C4-alkyl, phenyl and benzyl. Preferably the substituent of substituted Ci-C4-alkyl is sulfonic acid, sulfonate, or NR’3+More preferred, R is methyl, -CH2-CH2-0H, phenyl or benzyl.
[0110] R1may be selected as having one the following structures: wherein R14to R25are independently selected from the group consisting of H; D; halogen; N02; CN; OH; SH; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20-alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C3-C2O- cycloalkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryl; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C42- heteroaryl; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C49-alkyl acyl; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C49- aryl acyl; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C2O-alkoxy; substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48- aryloxy, andNH2; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20-alkyl ester; substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryl ester; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20alkyl amide; substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryl amide; NR’2, SiR’3, -O-SiR’3wherein R’ is independently selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20-alkyl and substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48- aryl, two R’ may form a ring structure; substituted or unsubstituted carboxylic acids and salts thereof; substituted or unsubstituted sulfonic acids and salts thereof; substituted or unsubstituted sulfonic esters; substituted or unsubstituted sulfonic amides; formyl; ether, thioether; carbonate; carbonate ester; sulfates; boronic acids; boronic esters; phosphonic acids; phosphonic esters; phosphines; phosphates; peroxycarbonic acids; thiocarbonic acids; sulfinic acids; sulfinic esters; sulfonates; thiolesters, sulfoxides; sulfones; hydrazides; thioaldehydes; ketones; thioketones; oximes; hydrazines; nitroso; azo; diazo; diazonium; isocyanides; cyanate; isocyanate; thiocyanate; isothiocyanate; hydroperoxide; peroxide; acetals; ketal; orthoester; orthocarbonate esters; ammonium; imines; imides; azide; nitrate; isonitrile; nitrosoxy; substituted or unsubstituted carbamates; substituted or unsubstituted ethers; substituted or unsubstituted polyether carbamates; substituted or unsubstituted arylazo; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C20-alkynyl and substituted or unsubstituted C2-C20- alkenyl; wherein the one or more substituents, if present in one or more of R14-R25, are independently selected from the group consisting of D; halogen; N02; CN, C2-C49-alkyl acyl; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C2O-alkoxy; substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryloxy; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C49-aryl acyl; (meth)acrylate; tosyl; NH2; and OH; and RJ5 and R16maybe linked to each other to form a unsubstituted or substituted ring structure, such as a cyclohexyl ring, a cyclopently ring or a piperidine ring.
[0111] In one particular embodiment it maybe provided that R1is selected from the group of electron withdrawing groups consisting of CF3, S02Me, S02NH2, CN, F, N02, Ce-aryl, unsubstituted Ce- arylacyl of the following formula dimethoxy-substituted arylacyl of the formula methoxy-substituted arylacyl of the formula fluorine-substituted arylacyl of the following formula alternatively of the formula and Ce-aryl.
[0112] The photoinitiator may include a spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI) wherein
[0113] - R6is an electron withdrawing group, preferably selected from the group consisting of be CN, F, N02, ester, alkyl acyl, aryl acyl, amide, formyl, S02R, such as SO2CF3, S02Me, or S02NH2, SF5, NR3+, pyridinium, halogen, and fluorinated alkyls or aryls, such as CF3, wherein embodiments described above for formula (V) are most preferred;
[0114] - preferably at least one of R10to R1, preferably R12, is independently an electron withdrawing group, preferably selected from the group consisting of be CN, F, N02, ester, alkyl acyl, aryl acyl, amide, formyl, S02R, such as SO2CF3, S02Me, or S02NH2, SF5, NR3+, pyridinium, halogen, and fluorinated alkyls or aryls, such as CF3, wherein embodiments described above for formula (V) are most preferred; and the remaining R1to Rs, R7to R13(not selected as above), are independently selected from the group consisting of H; D; halogen; N02; CN; OH; SH; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20- alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C3-C2O-cycloalkyl; substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryl; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C42-heteroaryl; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C49-alkyl acyl; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C49-aryl acyl; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C2O-alkoxy; substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryloxy, and NH2; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20- alkyl ester; substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryl ester; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20alkyl amide; substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryl amide; NR’2, SiR’3, -O-SiR’3wherein R’ is independently selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20-alkyl and substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryl, two R’ may form a ring structure; substituted or unsubstituted carboxylic acids and salts thereof; substituted or unsubstituted sulfonic acids and salts thereof; substituted or unsubstituted sulfonic esters; substituted or unsubstituted sulfonic amides; formyl; ether, thioether; carbonate; carbonate ester; sulfates; boronic acids; boronic esters; phosphonic acids; phosphonic esters; phosphines; phosphates; peroxycarbonic acids; thiocarbonic acids; sulfinic acids; sulfinic esters; sulfonates; thiolesters, sulfoxides; sulfones; hydrazides; thioaldehydes; ketones; thioketones; oximes; hydrazines; nitroso; azo; diazo; diazonium; isocyanides; cyanate; isocyanate; thiocyanate; isothiocyanate; hydroperoxide; peroxide; acetals; ketal; orthoester; orthocarbonate esters; ammonium; imines; imides; azide; nitrate; isonitrile; nitrosoxy; substituted or unsubstituted carbamates; substituted or unsubstituted ethers; substituted or unsubstituted polyether carbamates; substituted or unsubstituted arylazo; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C20-alkynyl and substituted or unsubstituted C2-C20-alkenyl; wherein the one or more substituents, if present in one or more of R3-R8, are independently selected from the group consisting of D; halogen; N02; CN, C2-C49-alkyl acyl; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C2O-alkoxy; substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryloxy; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C49-aryl acyl; (meth)acrylate; tosyl; NH2; SO3_, and OH; and / or wherein two adjacent groups of Rs-R8may be linked to each other to form a fused ring structure, preferably, a fused aromatic Ce-ring, wherein preferably one of the remaining R1to R5, R7to R13comprises or is selected from the group consisting of ammonium, polyethylene glycol, OH, NH2, S02NH2, sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid; boronic acid; phosphonic acid, phosphates; phosphonates; sulfates; sulfonates; and carboxylates, and preferably the other of the remaining R1to R5, R8and R10to R13are H; and Z is N or C, wherein if Z is N, R4 is absent.
[0115] In the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R1and R2may be selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20-alkyl (linear or branched); substituted or unsubstituted C3-C2O-cycloalkyl (monocyclic, bicyclic, polycyclic); substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryl; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C42-heteroaryl; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C2O-alkoxy, and substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20-alkyl ether, wherein R1and R2maybe connected with each other, preferably by a single bond replacing one H-atom of R1and one H-atom of R2, to form a ring.
[0116] In the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R1and R2may be selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted C2-C20-alkyl (linear or branched); substituted or unsubstituted C3-C2O-cycloalkyl (monocyclic, bicyclic, polycyclic); substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryl; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C42-heteroaryl; substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C2O-alkoxy, and substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20-alkyl ether, wherein R1and R2maybe connected with each other, preferably by a single bond replacing one H-atom of R1and one H-atom of R2, to form a ring. Introducing larger groups for R1and R2than methyl has the surprising effect of reducing side reactions and unwanted polymerization. The bulkiness of the groups R1and R2can be used to manipulate the equilibrium between spiropyran form and merocyanine form.
[0117] Preferably, both R1and R2are each ethyl, or R1and R2are connected to form together with the carbon atom between R1and R2a cyclopentyl ring, a cyclohexyl ring or a norbornenyl group (wherein preferably the carbon atom between R1and R2is the C-atom in the 5-position of the norbornenyl). More preferred, R1and R2are connected to form together with the carbon atom between R1and R2a cyclohexyl ring.
[0118] In the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R6may be selected from the group consisting of ester, alkyl acyl, and aryl acyl. Preferably, R6is arylacyl. More preferred, R6is benzoyl.
[0119] In the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R7may be selected from the group consisting of ester, alkyl acyl, and aryl acyl. Preferably, R7is arylacyl. More preferred, R7is benzoyl. In the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R? may be selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20-alkyl (linear or branched); substituted or unsubstituted C3-C2o-cycloalkyl (monocyclic, bicyclic, polycyclic); substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48-aryl; substituted or unsubstituted C2-C42-heteroaryl, wherein the one or more substituents, if present are preferably selected from halogen; N02; CN, tosyl; NH2; SO3_, OH, NR”3+with R” being independently selected from H, Ci to C20alkyl, Ce to C18 aryl, preferably R” being independently selected from H and Ci to C20alkyl, most preferred R” being independently selected from H and methyl.
[0120] In the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R9may be selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20-alkyl (linear or branched); and substituted or unsubstituted C3-C2O-cycloalkyl (monocyclic, bicyclic, polycyclic), wherein the one or more substituents, if present, are each SO3_.
[0121] In the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R9may be selected from the group consisting of substituted Ci-C20-alkyl (linear or branched, wherein the one or more substituents, if present, are each SO3_.
[0122] In the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R9may be selected from the group consisting of substituted Ci-C20-alkyl (linear or branched), substituted with one SO3_. In the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R9may be selected from the group consisting of substituted Ci-Cw-alkyl (linear or branched), substituted with one SO3_. In the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R9may be selected from the group consisting of substituted Ci-C5-alkyl (linear or branched), substituted with one SO3_. More preferred, R9is selected from the group consisting of substituted C3-alkyl (linear or branched), substituted with one SO3_.
[0123] R10to R13may be independently selected from the group consisting of SO3_, Cl, und H. Alternatively, two adjacent of Rloto R13maybe connected with each other to form an aromatic ring system, preferably a naphthyl group, wherein the naphthyl can be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of SO3_, Cl, H and arylacyl.
[0124] In the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R12may be selected from the group consisting of ester, alkyl acyl, and aryl acyl. Preferably, R12is arylacyl. More preferred, R12is benzoyl.
[0125] In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R6is benzoyl and R12is benzoyl.
[0126] In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R9is -(CH2)3-SO3-; and R1and R2are connected to form together with the carbon atom between R1and R2a cyclohexyl ring.
[0127] In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R1and R2are connected to form together with the carbon atom between R1and R2a cyclohexyl ring and at least one of R10to R13is SO3_. In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R1and R2are connected to form together with the carbon atom between R1and R2a cyclohexyl ring; and R7is benzoyl.
[0128] In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R1and R2are connected to form together with the carbon atom between R1and R2a cyclopentyl ring; and R7is benzoyl.
[0129] In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R1and R2are connected to form together with the carbon atom between R1and R2a cyclohexyl ring; and R6is arylacyl.
[0130] In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R7is benzoyl and R13is SO3_.
[0131] In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R6is arylacyl and at least one of R10to R13is SO3_.
[0132] In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), at least one of R10to R13is Cl and at least one other of R10to R13is SO3_.
[0133] In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), at least two of R10to R13are Cl and R6is benzoyl.
[0134] In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), at least two of R10to R13are Cl and R6is ester or acetyl.
[0135] In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R1and R2are connected to form together with the carbon atom between R1and R2a norbornenyl group (wherein preferably the carbon atom between R1and R2is the C-atom in the 5-position of the norbornenyl); and R6is ester or alkylacyl.
[0136] In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R12is arylacyl and R9is -(CH2)3-SO3_.
[0137] In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R12is S02Me and R9is -(CH2)3-SO3-.
[0138] In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R6is ester, benzoyl, or acetyl; and R9is -(CH2)3-SO3_.
[0139] In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R6is benzoyl and R9is -(CH2)2-SO3_. In a preferred embodiment, in the spiropyran-based structural motif of formula (VI), R7 is benzoyl; and R9is -(CH2)3-SO3_.
[0140] Combinations of preferred embodiments are especially preferred.
[0141] The photoinitiator may be selected from the following compounds.
[0142] If the photoinitiator comprises an -SO3Na group, the group may dissociate in appropriate aqueous environment to -SO3_and Na+so that no clear counterion can be determined. Thus, the disclosure of -SO3Na encompasses the disclosure of -SO3_. Since the counter-cation does not play a significant role in photochemistry, the disclosure of -SO3Na is equivalent to the disclosure of -SO3M, wherein M is a metal ion, preferably selected from Na, K, Mg or Ca, wherein Na is most preferred due to good solubility and low toxicity; or wherein M is NR”4+with R” being independently selected from H, Ci to C20alkyl, Ce to C18 aryl, preferably R” being independently selected from H and Ci to C20alkyl, most preferred R” being independently selected from H and methyl; or wherein M is H or D .
[0143] A colorless spiropyran dual color photoinitiator opens to the respective merocyanine form upon absorption of UV-light. The merocyanine form typically has a strong absorption between 550 nm and 650 nm and quickly reverts back to the spiropyran form, which is crucial for the xolography process. In an aqueous environment, especially at a lower pH, such as pH 7-8, the merocyanine may act as a base to form the protonated phenol form. The protonated merocyanine typically shows an absorption around 450 nm and switches back to the spiropyran form slowly or not at all. Furthermore, the protonated merocyanine shows only little or no reactivity as a photoinitiating species.
[0144] While the above description holds for most spiropyran / merocyanine systems, surprisingly spiropyrans / merocyanines with an acceptor in the para position with respect to the oxygen atom, were found to remain deprotonated and show efficient photoinitiation in a dual color process.
[0145] The polymerizable compound may comprise at least one polymerizable group selected from the group consisting of acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, methacrylamide, norbornene, maleimide, vinyl, and thiol.
[0146] In addition or alternatively, the polymerizable compound may comprise a backbone and at least one polymerizable group bound to the backbone, wherein the backbone may comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethyleneglycol, polyether, polypropyleneglycol, alkyl, synthesized proteins, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and chitosan alginate. The backbone may have a degree of functionalization from 1-100%, preferably 5-98, more preferably 10-95, most preferably 60-90. The molecular weight of the backbone can be ikDa-5MDa, preferably 10-200 kDa.
[0147] Alternatively, the polymerizable compound may be free of a backbone, for example, may be acrylic acid or a salt thereof, preferably sodium acrylate.
[0148] The polymerizable starting material may further comprise an acid, preferably selected from the group consisting of HC1, H3PO4, KH2PO4, NaH2PO4, H2SO4, NaHSO4, KHSO4, a carboxylic acid, preferably acetic acid, formic acid, benzoic acid, a sulfonic acid, and a phosphonic acid.
[0149] The polymerizable starting material may further comprise a base, preferably selected from the group consisting of K2HPO4, K3PO4, KHCO3, K2CO3, KCH3COO, KHCOO, Na2HPO4, Na3PO4, NaHCO3, Na2CO3, NaCH3COO, NaHCOO, an amine, a carboxylic acid salt, a sulfonic acid salt, and a phosphonic acid salt.
[0150] The polymerizable starting material may further comprise a buffer, wherein the buffer comprises an acid and a base, wherein
[0151] - the acid is selected from the group consisting of HC1, H3PO4, KH2PO4, NaH2PO4, H2SO4, NaHSO4, KHSO4, a carboxylic acid, preferably acetic acid, formic acid, benzoic acid, a sulfonic acid, and a phosphonic acid; and
[0152] - the base is selected from the group consisting of K2HPO4, K3PO4, KHCO3, K2CO3, KCH3COO, KHCOO, Na2HPO4, Na3PO4, NaHCO3, Na2CO3, NaCH3COO, NaHCOO, an amine, a carboxylic acid salt, a sulfonic acid salt, and a phosphonic acid salt. Alternatively, the base can the bio-co- initiator.
[0153] The polymerizable starting material may have a viscosity from io2mPa-s to io9mPa-s, preferably from 3 -io3mPa-s to to8mPa-s, more preferably 103mPa-s to to6mPa-s; most preferably 104mPa-s to 105mPa-s, preferably at the printing temperature, more preferably at 20°C. Alternatively, the polymerizable starting material may have a viscosity higher than 109mPa-s at the printing temperature, preferably at 20°C.
[0154] The polymerizable starting material may further comprise a rheology modifier. Especially, the rheology modifier may comprise or maybe a monomer mixture and / or an oligomer mixture, preferably having a corresponding viscosity. The rheology modifier may be transparent. The rheology modifier may support a cured object (=shaped body), which may arise in a freely floating manner in the polymerizable starting material containing the rheology modifier. The rheology modifier may induce non-Newtonian flow properties to the starting material, such as shear- thinning or shear-liquefying flow properties, and / or induces a yield point which is greater than the static shear load of the shaped body.
[0155] A corresponding yield point of the polymerizable starting material which is greater than the static shear load by the shaped body is typically greater than or equal to 0.1 Pa, in particular 0.2 Pa, further in particular 0.3 Pa, further in particular 0.4 Pa, further in particular 0.5 Pa, further in particular 0.6 Pa, further in particular 0.75 Pa, further in particular 1 Pa. A corresponding yield point of the polymerizable starting material may thus be in particular at least 0.1 Pa per cm3of a working volume (which may be the local volume). For a working volume of 1 cm3, the yield point of the polymerizable starting material may thus be at least 0.1 Pa. For a working volume of 2 cm3, the yield point of the polymerizable starting material may thus be at least 0.2 Pa. The yield point may refer to a temperature of 20°C or the printing temperature.
[0156] The viscosity or yield point of the polymerizable starting material can be measured with a Kinexus Prime lab+ Rheometer, available from Netzsch (Erich NETZSCH B.V. & Co. Holding KG). A viscosity can be measured at a shear rate ranging from 0.001 s1to 1000 s1, preferably the shear rate is 1 s1. Examples of rheology modifiers, especially for adjusting non-Newtonian flow properties, are in the non-exhaustive list: i) cellulose, modified cellulose, in particular cellulose esters, 2) polyacrylic acid and polyacrylic acid-polyacrylic acid ester copolymers, 3) polyacrylamides, 4) polyethylene oxide. Examples of rheology modifiers are in the non-exhaustive list: 1) inorganic (nano)particles, for example pyrogenic silica, natural and synthetic clay minerals, phyllosilicates, glass, 2) organically modified inorganic (nano)particles, 3) organic molecules, oligomers and polymers (urea derivatives, polysaccharides, polyacrylic acids, polyacrylates, polyamides, polyethers, polyurethanes, polyurea derivatives) and 4) urea-modified polyacrylates, polyethers, polyamides and polyurethanes. Examples of commercial organic rheology modifiers which may be used are in the non-exhaustive list: RHEOBYK 410, RHEOBYK 420, RHEOBYK 430, RHEOBYK 440, BYK-LP R21675, RHEOBYK 7410CA, RHEOBYK 7420CA, RHEOBYK 7420ET (all available from BYK-Chemie GmbH, 46486 Wesel (DE)), JL-106 (available from Bomar Chem, 51 Greenwoods Rd, Torrington, CT 06790), Polyacrylic acid copolymer (Carbopol ETD 2020 NF), gelatine, Konjac Gum Powder, phytagel, carrageenan, HPMC, methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt, gum arabic, agar, sodium alginate, guar gum.
[0157] Rheology modifiers based on polymers may be crosslinked or branched.
[0158] It preferably applies to any rheology modifier that it is selected or used, for example with regard to its chemical and / or physical properties, concentration, etc., such that it does not lead, or scarcely leads, to clouding of the polymerizable starting material and / or of the shaped body after optical processing.
[0159] Rheology modifiers may be thixotropes. Suitable thixotropes which can be used as rheology modifier are, for example, urea derivatives; modified urea compounds such as Rheobyk 410 and Rheobyk-D 410 (available from BYK-Chemie GmbH), dimer and trimer fatty acids; polyether phosphates; oxidized polyolefins; hybrid oxidized polyolefins with polyamide; alkali- soluble / swellable emulsions; cellulose ethers; hydrop hobically modified alkali-soluble emulsions; hydrophobically modified urethane based on ethylene oxide; sucrose benzoate; ester-terminated polyamides; tertiary amide-terminated polyamides; polyalkyleneoxyterminated polyamides; polyether amides; acrylamidomethyl-substituted cellulose ester polymers; polyethyleneimine; polyurea; organoclays; hydrogenated castor oil; organic base salts of a clay mineral (e.g., montmorillonite) and other silicate-like materials; aluminum, calcium and zinc salts of fatty acids, such as lauric or stearic acid.
[0160] Thermally reversible gelling agents which can also be used as rheology modifiers are ester- terminated polyamides, tertiary amide-terminated polyamides, polyalkyleneoxy-terminated polyamides and polyether amides, and combinations thereof, are conceivable for use as thixotropes. Examples thereof are crystasense LP1, crystasense LP2, crystasense LP3, crystasense MP, crystasense HP4, crystasense HP5, rheoptima X17, rheoptima X24, rheoptima X38, rheoptima X58, rheoptima X73 and rheoptima X84 (available from Croda). Crystasense HP-5 is a preferred example of a thixotrope.
[0161] The polymerizable starting material comprises water. Accordingly, the polymerizable starting material maybe an aqueous solution. The proportion of water maybe between 5 and 99.9% by weight, in particular between 30 and 99.9% by weight, more particularly between 40 and 99-9% by weight, more particularly between 50 and 99.9% by weight, more particularly between 60 and 99.9% by weight, more particularly between 70 and 99.9% by weight, more particularly between 80 and 99.9% by weight, more particularly between 90 and 99.9%, more particularly between 90 and 95% by weight. In such embodiments, corresponding rheology modifiers, for example in the form of polyacrylic acid, gelatin, etc., may be soluble in water or the water-monomer or water-oligomer mixture or miscible with water or the water-monomer or water-oligomer mixture. A corresponding solubility or miscibility of the additives in or with water should be ensured in particular in a temperature range between 20 and 40° C., in particular between 25 and 370C., alternatively between 20 and 30° C., more alternatively between 35 and 40° C.
[0162] Corresponding aqueous starting materials, in particular those which comprise one or more water-soluble and / or water- miscible additives, are selected in their composition in particular such that they are transparent. This is to be understood in particular as meaning that the starting material, even with additives, in particular in a wavelength range between 370 and 800 nm, in particular between 400 and 800 nm, more particularly between 450 and 800 nm, has a transmission of at least 30%, in particular at least 50%, more particularly at least 80%, more particularly at least 90% in the region of the irradiated light of first wavelength and / or in the region of the irradiated light of second wavelength. In this case, the transmission relates to an optical path length according to the Lambert-Beer law of 10 mm. A corresponding transmission should be ensured in particular in a temperature range between 20 and 40° C., in particular between 25 and 370C., alternatively between 20 and 30° C., more alternatively between 35 and 40° C.
[0163] Corresponding aqueous starting materials, in particular those which comprise one or more water-soluble and / or water- miscible additives / rheology modifiers, are selected in their composition in particular such that they have a pH in the range between 5 and 10, in particular between 6 and 9, more particularly between 7 and 8, more particularly of 7.4. In this way, an undesired precipitation of additives / rheology modifiers and / or an undesired emulsion formation can be prevented or at least reduced. The pH can be adjusted or stabilized by adding a buffer, such as, for example, via a phosphate-buffered salt solution, PBS for short. A corresponding pH should be ensured in particular in a temperature range between 20 and 40° C., in particular between 25 and 370C., alternatively between 20 and 30° C, more alternatively between 35 and 40° C.
[0164] As a further conceivable additive, the starting material may comprise one or more of the following gel formers, which may likewise serve as rheology modifiers. A gel former may be, for example, a polymer, in particular a polymer with carboxylic acids, such as, for example, polyacrylic acid, or crosslinked polyacrylic acid; or a polyvinyl alcohol or a derivative thereof; or a polysaccharide or a derivative thereof; or a peptide or protein or a derivative thereof, in particular gamma-carrageenan; or gelatin or a derivative thereof. The addition of a rheology modifier has proven to be particularly advantageous if the starting material comprises a polyethylene glycol diacrylate derivative (PEGDA), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), acrylic acid salt, sodium acrylate, acrylic acid, NIPAM, bisacrylamide, acrylamide, in particular with a proportion of at least 10% by weight, in particular at least 20% by weight, more particularly at least 30% by weight, more particularly at least 40% by weight, more particularly at least 50% by weight, more particularly at least 60% by weight, more particularly at least 70% by weight, more particularly at least 80% by weight, more particularly at least 90% by weight.
[0165] Preferably, the rheology modifier may be an inorganic material, an organic artificial material, a biomolecule or combination or mixture thereof. Inorganic materials may be particles, preferably functionalized particles. Organic artificial materials can be for example a polymer or copolymer of aciylic acid, pentaertythritol tetraacrylat, polyethyleneglycol diacrylate, C1-C20 alkyl acrylate; urea derivatives, preferably at least two urea motifs are covalently linked to each other. Biomolecules may be gelatin, konjac gum powder, phytagel, carrageen, HPMC (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose), methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, Carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt, gum arabic, agar, sodium alginate, guar gum. Sodium salts can always be other cations, preferably dicationic Mg2+Ca2+.
[0166] The rheology modifier can be removed in a post processing step. The rheology modifier may be transparent in the mixture at the given pH of the mixture.
[0167] The polymerizable starting material may further comprise an inhibitor, preferably a derivative of TEMPO (2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidin-i-yl)oxyl), more preferably a derivate of TEMPO-L (4-Hydroxy-TEMPO), most preferably TEMPO-L (4-Hydroxy-TEMPO). It has been surprisingly found that while TEMPO reduces cell viability, TEMPO-L shows low toxicity and is thus preferred.
[0168] The polymerizable starting material may further comprise an inhibitor, preferably a derivative of pyrogallol or a derivative of ascorbate, more preferably pyrogallol or ascorbate.
[0169] It has been found that formulations comprising an inhibitor allow smaller details to be printed. This is especially reflected in structures comprising channels, where formulations with inhibitor allow the print of channels with a smaller diameter, which is especially pronounced in formulation comprising TEMPO-L.
[0170] The polymerizable starting material may further comprise a further co-initiator, preferably an iodonium salt.
[0171] The iodonium salt may have the following formula (VII)
[0172] R! R2
[0173] Y"
[0174] (VII).
[0175] In formula (VII), R1and R2are independently selected from substituted or unsubstituted C<> to C36 aryl, preferably R1and R2are independently phenyl or phenyl substituted with methoxy groups or phenyl substituted with carboxylate groups, most preferably at least one of R1and R2is phenyl substituted with carboxylate in meta or para-position with respect to the iodine (I+in formula (VII)); and X- is an anion, preferably a hard anion, more preferably selected from the group consisting of Ch, F’, SO42-, acetate, formate, carboxylate, sulphonate, and phosphate.
[0176] Preferably the iodonium salt may have a molecular weight > 300 g / mol, more preferably a molecular weight > 400 g / mol, most preferably a molecular weight > 500 g / mol.
[0177] Preferably, none of R1and R2is unsubstituted phenyl. This is preferably in view of toxicity.
[0178] Preferably, at least one of R1and R2is para-methyl phenyl, para methoxy phenyl or trimethoxy phenyl. This is preferably in view of toxicity.
[0179] In formula (VII), at least one of R1and R2maybe or may comprise an electron donating group. At least one of R1and R2may be aryl substituted with one or more electron donating group(s). An electron donating group is any substituent that increases electron density of the aryl to which the electron donating group is attached, either by resonance or inductive effects, making the system more nucleophilic and reactive towards electrophiles. Preferably, the electron donating group is selected from substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C2O-alkoxy, preferably methoxy, C6-C48-aryloxy, and NR”2, wherein R” is independently selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted Ci-C20-alkyl and substituted or unsubstituted C6-C48- aryl, and two R” may form a ring structure.
[0180] In formula (VII), at least one of R1and R2may be substituted Ce to C36 aryl, such as phenyl, wherein the one or more substituents are independently Ci to C20alkyl, such as methyl. Exemplary respective R1and R2groups are tolyl or xylyl.
[0181] The co-initiator, preferably the iodonium salt may have an LC-50 value of at least 1 mM, preferably at least 2 mM, more preferred at least 5 mM, most preferred at least 10 mM. LC-50 is obtained from the metabolic activity of primary dermal fibroblasts. In this regard, LC-50 is a standard measure in toxicology. It represents the concentration of a substance that is lethal to 50% of a test population (in this case, cells) under specific conditions. Metabolic activity refers to the biochemical processes that occur within living cells, which can be measured to assess cell viability (how many cells are alive and functioning). Primaiy dermal fibroblasts are cells derived directly from the dermis (the inner layer of the skin) and are responsible for producing connective tissue and extracellular matrix. That is, LC-50 refers to a value obtained by a method for determining how toxic a substance is to skin cells by measuring at what concentration half of the cells lose their ability to function metabolically.
[0182] Although many iodonium salts increase (boost) the reactivity of the photopolymerizable starting material, some derivatives suffer from toxicity, which is reflected in a low cell viability. Surprisingly, it has been found that derivatives comprising electron donating substituents, such as alkoxy groups, show low toxicity and high reactivity.
[0183] To further reduce toxicity, the iodonium salt can be attached, for example, by covalent binding, to a larger biomolecule. In this regard, a biomolecule may be any molecule that is produced by living organisms and is essential for biological processes. Biomolecules include a wide variety of chemical compounds that play key roles in the structure, function, and regulation of cells and tissues. They are typically composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. Exemplary biomolecules are carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, (neuro)transmitters, amino acids, peptides, nucleobases, antibodies etc. The term “biomolecule” as referred to herein shall encompass synthetic biomolecules, i.e, chemically or biotechnologically produced compounds that mimic, replicate, or enhance the functions of natural biomolecules or modified biomolecules, e.g. biomolecules functionalized with protective groups such as acyl groups. E.g., the iodonium salt may be coupled to a sugar or a short peptide.
[0184] The co-initiator, preferably the iodonium salt may have a polar surface area (PSA) larger than 30, preferably a PSA >40. “Polar surface area” in this regard is defined as a sum of surfaces of polar atoms (usually oxygens, nitrogens and attached hydrogens) in a molecule and is further described in Ertl, P., Rohde, B., Selzer, P. “Fast calculation of molecular polar surface area as a sum of fragment based contributions and its application to the prediction of drug transport properties.” J. Med. Chem. 2000, 43: 3714-3717. For iodonium salts a PSA of 30-40 already leads to lowtoxicity, which is surprising, since usually a much higher PSA is required to prevent drugs from penetrating cell membranes according to Vebers rule.
[0185] The following table lists derivatives suitable for the invention and comparative derivatives. RB- E [%] denotes the relative boost at imM in a formulation comprising eosin-Y and PEGDA. RB- G [%] denotes the relative boost at imM in a formulation comprising 5, GelMa, and IDX. LC- 50 is obtained from the metabolic activity of primary dermal fibroblasts. PSA denotes the calculated polar surface area according to Ertl, P., Rohde, B., Selzer, P. “Fast calculation of molecular polar surface area as a sum of fragment based contributions and its application to the prediction of drug transport properties.” J. Med. Chem. 2000, 43: 3714-3717. The method for calculating the PSA is applied on the ion comprising the iodine (I+in formula (VII)) where the compound is a salt which can dissociate or on the whole molecule where the molecule comprising the iodine is charge neutral and cannot dissociate using the web tool available at https: / / www.molinspiration.com / services / psa.html at the filing date.
[0186] The co-initiator, preferably the iodonium salt may be selected from DAI1 to DAIn. The coinitiator, preferably the iodonium salt maybe DAI5.
[0187] The polymerizable starting material may further comprise a nutrient, preferably selected from the group consisting of a vitamin, a sugar, preferably glucose, an amino acid, a growth factor, a protein, a carbohydrate, a fatty acid, a fatty acid ester, or a mixture of two or more thereof.
[0188] The amino acid may be selected from the group consisting of Glycine, L- Alanine, L- Arginine hydrochloride, L-Asparagine, L-Aspartic acid, L-Cysteine, L-Cystine 2HCI, L-Glutamic Acid, L-Glutamine, L-Histidine hydrochloride-H2O, L-Hydroxyproline, L-Isoleucine, L-Leucine, L- Lysine hydrochloride, L-Methionine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Proline, L-Serine, L-Threonine, L- Tryptophan, L-Tyrosine disodium salt dihydrate, L-Valine, and a mixture of two or more thereof.
[0189] The total amount of amino acid in the polymerizable starting material may be from o to 1000 mg / ml or from o to 600 mg / ml (mg total amino acid / ml polymerizable starting medium).
[0190] The vitamin may be selected from the group consisting of ascorbic acid, biotin, choline chloride, D-calcium pantothenate, ergocalciferol, folic acid, menadione (Vitamin K3), niacinamide, nicotinic acid (Niacin), para-aminobenzoic acid, pyridoxal hydrochloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, thiamine hydrochloride, vitamin A (acetate), vitamin B12, vitamin D2 (Calciferol), alpha tocopherol phoshate Na salt, i-inositol.
[0191] The total amount of vitamin in the polymerizable starting material may be 20 mg / ml or less (mg total vitamin / ml polymerizable starting medium). The total amount of folic acid in the polymerizable starting material may be 4 mg / ml or less (mg folic acid / ml polymerizable starting material). The total amount of riboflavin in the polymerizable starting material may be 0.15 mg / ml or less, preferably 0.10 mg / ml or less (mg riboflavin / ml polymerizable starting material).
[0192] The polymerizable starting material may comprise at least one cation independently selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Ca, Na, Zn, Mg and K. The polymerizable starting material may comprise Na+ions in a concentration of 75 mM or less, preferably 70 mM or less. The polymerizable starting material may comprise the bio-co- initiator and Na+ions in a concentration of 75 mM or less, preferably 70 mM or less.
[0193] In one embodiment the polymerizable starting material may comprise cells, the bio-co- initiator and Na+ions in a concentration of 75 mM or less, preferably 70 mM or less. Limiting the concentration of Na+has the surprising effect of higher survival rates for the cells in combination with the bio-co-initiator, although cell culture media known from the state of the art have higher Na+concentrations.
[0194] The polymerizable starting material may comprise at least one anion independently selected from the group consisting of Ch, NO3_, SO42-and PO43-.
[0195] The polymerizable starting material may comprise Cl- ions in a concentration of 80 mM or less, preferably 75 mM or less.
[0196] The polymerizable starting material may further comprise 2-deoxy-D-ribose, adenine sulfate, adenosine 5'-phosphate, adenosine 5'-triphosphate, cholesterol, D-glucose (dextrose), glutathione (reduced), guanine hydrochloride, 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-i-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES), hypoxanthine, linoleic acid, lipoic acid, methyl linoleate, phenol red, putrescine 2HCI, ribose, sodium acetate-3H2O, sodium pyruvate, thymidine, thymine, Tween 80®, uracil, xanthine, or a mixture of two or more thereof.
[0197] The polymerizable starting material may comprise the phenol red in a concentration of 0.05 mM or less, preferably 0.01 mM or less, most preferred o mM.
[0198] The polymerizable starting material may comprise the HEPES in a concentration of 25 mM or less, preferably 10 mM or less, even more preferred 5 mM or less, most preferred o mM.
[0199] The polymerizable starting material may further comprise fetal bovine serum (FBS).
[0200] The polymerizable starting material may further comprise bilirubin in a concentration of imM or less, preferably 0.5 mM or less, even more preferred 0.3 mM or less, further preferred 0.25 or less, even further preferred 0.1 mM or less, most preferred o mM, preferably together with one or more of albumin, insulin, transferrin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and fibronectin.
[0201] Nutrient premixes comprising one or more amino acid(s), on or more vitamin(s), one or more salt(s) and / or one or more ion(s), one or more sugar(s), and fetal bovine serum (FBS) are known in the art. Respective commercial available nutrient premixes are e.g. M199, DMEM, Ham's F12, RPMI, MEM, IMDM, BME, Williams Medium E, McCoy's 5A. These commercial premixes and the concentrations of the constituents therein may be detrimental for the use in the process of the present disclosure, especially if the polymerizable starting material comprises cells.
[0202] The polymerizable starting material may further comprise a refractive index matching agent, preferably in an amount from 5 to 60 wt.-%, 10 to 50 wt.-%, 15 to 40 wt.-% or 20 to 30 wt.-%, with respect to the total weight of the polymerizable starting material. The refractive index matching agent may be iodobenzene and derivatives thereof, triiodobenzene and derivatives thereof, derivatives of iodixanol or iodixanol (5-[acetyl-[3-[acetyl-[3,5-bzs(2,3- dihydroxypropylcarbamoyl)-2,4,6-triiodo-phenyl]amino]-2-hy roxy-propyl]amino]-jV,jV- bzs(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2,4,6-triiodo-benzene-i,3-dicarboxamide; IDX). It maybe provided that if the polymerizable starting material comprises a refractive index matching agent, especially iodixanol, the first wavelength and / or the second wavelength is >400 nm, >450 nm, or >500 nm, alternatively 405 nm. IDX and similar compounds absorb below 400 nm, which leads to an increased reactivity due to additional unspecific polymerization, when light of a wavelength below 400 nm is used. Surprisingly, irradiation of a polymerizable starting material comprising IDX or similar compounds with a wavelength above 400 nm, also results in a strongly increased reactivity, but reduces the unspecific polymerization to a neglectable minimum.
[0203] Derivatives of IDX comprise lopentol (CAS 89797-00-2), ((5-acetamido-2,4,6- triiodoisophthaloyl)bis(azanediyl))bis(propane-3,i,2-triyl) tetraacetate (CAS 174416-65-0), 5- (2-chloroacetamido)-Ni,N3-bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalamide (CAS 77203-11-3), 3-Acetamido-2,4,6-triiodo-5-(N-methylacetamido)-N-((3R,4R,5S,6R)-2,4,5- trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3-yl)benzamide (CAS 55134-11-7), losarcol (CAS 97702-82-4), 5-Amino-N,N'-bis[2,3-bis(acetyloxy)propyl]-2,4,6-triiodo-N- methyl-i,3-benzenedicarboxamide (CAS 76350-09-9), 3-(3-Amino-5-((2,3- dihydroxypropyl)(methyl)carbamoyl)-2,4,6-triiodobenzamido)propane-i,2-diyl diacetate (CAS 1391051-75-4), ((5-Amino-2,4,6-triiodoisophthaloyl)bis(methylazanediyl))bis(propane- 3,1,2-triyl) tetraacetate (CAS 610783-35-2), 5-Amino-Ni,N3-bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-4,6- diiodoisophthalamide, 5-Amino-N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalamide (CAS 872117-56-1), 5-Amino-Ni,N3-bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalamide (CAS 76801-93-9), loglucol (CAS 63941-73-1), N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-2,4,6-triiodo-3-(N- methylacetamido)-5-((2R,3S,4R,5R)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanamido)benzamide (CAS 56562-79-9), Ni-(i,3-Dihydroxypropan-2-yl)-N3-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-5-((S)-2- hydroxypropanamido)-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalamide (CAS 1869069-72-6), (S)-NI-(I,3- Dihydroxypropan-2-yl)-5-(2-hydroxypropanamido)-2,4,6-triiodo-N3,N3- dimethylisophthalamide (CAS 1869069-71-5), 3-((2,3-dihydroxypropyl)carbamoyl)-2,4,6- triiodo-5-(2-methoxyacetamido)benzoyl chloride (CAS 76350-04-4), 3-((2,3- diacetoxypropyl)carbamoyl)-2,4,6-triiodo-5-(2-methoxyacetamido)benzoic acid (CAS 150928-22-6), 3-Acetamido-2,4,6-triiodo-5-(N-methylacetamido)-N-((2R,3R,4S,5R)-3,4,5,6- tetrahydroxy-i-oxohexan-2-yl)benzamide (CAS 31112-62-6), 2,4,6-Triiodo-Ni,N3-bis(2- oxoethyl)-5-(N-(2-oxoethyl)acetamido)isophthalamide (CAS 2135524-05-7), ((5-amino-2,4,6- triiodoisophthaloyl)bis(azanediyl))bis(propane-3,i,2-triyl), tetraacetate (CAS 76801-94-0), ((5-(2-chloroacetamido)-2,4,6-triiodoisophthaloyl)bis(azanediyl))bis(propane-3,i,2-triyl) tetrakis(2-chloroacetate) (CAS 155887-14-2), lohexol (CAS 66108-95-0), loxilan (CAS 107793- 72-6), Iodixanol (CAS 92339-11-2), loversol (CAS 87771-40-2), lopromide (CAS 73334-07-3), lomeprol hydrolysate-1 (CAS 31127-80-7), i-(3-(N-(2,3-Dihydroxypropyl)acetamido)-5-((2,3- dihydroxypropyl)carbamoyl)-2,4,6-triiodobenzamido)-3-hydroxypropan-2-yl acetate (CAS 2730989-02-1), losimenol (CAS 181872-90-2), Ni-(i,3-Dihydroxypropan-2-yl)-N3-(2,3- dihydroxypropyl)-5-(2-hydroxy-N-methylacetamido)-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalamide (CAS 2068038-50-4), loversol hydrolysate-1 (CAS 77868-40-7). The polymerizable starting material may further comprise a water- miscible solvent, preferably selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, DMSO and polyethylene glycol.
[0204] The polymerizable starting material may further comprise other additives.
[0205] Preferably the concentration of each ingredient in the polymerizable starting material is low enough to obtain a colorless formulation, with an absorbance <1, preferably <0.5 at the first and / or second wavelength for an optical path length corresponding to the dimension of the container along the direction the respective light has to travel, preferably 10 mm.
[0206] In one embodiment, the polymerizable starting material further comprises cells. In this embodiment, the polymerizable starting material comprises the photoinitiator, the polymerizable compound and water and the polymerizable starting material has a pH value from 5 to 9. In this embodiment, the polymerizable starting material may or may not comprise the bio-co-initiator.
[0207] In this embodiment, longer wavelength irradiation such as visible light (preferably light having a wavelength between 400 nm to 800 nm) or near-infrared light irradiation can be used for photopolymerizing.
[0208] The cells maybe selected from the group consisting of blood vessel cells, endothelial cells, bone marrow cells, connective tissue cells, muscle cells, liver cells, liver cells induced from stem cells, and mixtures of two or more thereof. These terms relate to cells obtained from the respective tissue comprising said cells, e.g. bloodvessel cells maybe considered as cells from bloodvessels or cells which can be part of blood vessels. Preferably, the cells are selected from the group consisting of humane dermale fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), endothelial cells (HUVECs), Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts (MEFs), and mixtures of two or more thereof. The cells in accordance with the present invention may preferably be human cells.
[0209] The concentration of the cells in the polymerizable starting material may be from to5to io10cells / ml, preferably IOMO to^ cells / ml, such as about to8cells / ml.
[0210] In the embodiment in which the polymerizable starting material further comprises cells, it is preferred that the diameter or length of the local volume in the direction in which the light of the first wavelength is irradiated, preferable the diameters or lengths of the local volume in both directions direction in which the light of the first wavelength and the light of the second wavelength are irradiated, is less than 20 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, or less than 2 mm, preferably 1 to 20 mm, 1 to 10 mm, 1 to 5 mm, or 1 to 2 mm. Respective diameters or lengths of the local volume are helpful for minimizing scattering and improving the resolution of the prints. The volume restriction is therefore particularly relevant in combination with the presence of cells. Without cells, a smaller volume would also allow a better resolution because one can achieve a smaller focal spot with a reasonable depth of focus, but in the presence of cells the effect is particularly strong, so that a smaller volume brings unexpected advantages.
[0211] In one embodiment, the temperature at which the photopolymerizable starting material in a local volume is photopolymerized (printing temperature) may be less than 20°C, less than 15°C, less than io°C, less than 5°C or less than o°C. The printing temperature may be from -20°C to 20°C, from -20°C to io°C, from -20°C to 5°C, or from -20°C to o°C. The printing temperature may be from -io°C to 20°C, from -io°C to io°C, from -io°C to 5°C, or from -io°C to o°C. The printing temperature maybe from o to 20°C or from o to 15°C. Preferably, the photopolymerizable starting material in such embodiments comprises cells. It was surprisingly found that volumetric prints, especially bioprints, have a better resolution and better printing results at lower temperatures. Where the polymerizable starting material contains cells, this even more surprising, since materials containing cells are typically handled at higher temperature to assure high cell viability.
[0212] Any combinations of embodiments, preferred ranges and / or moieties, in particular, preferred moities of the invention are particularly preferred.
[0213] Brief description of drawings
[0214] In the following, further design examples are explained with reference to figures in a drawing, wherein
[0215] Fig. i shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the process according to the invention.
[0216] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a device for processing an optically reactive material from above.
[0217] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the device of Fig. 2 from the side.
[0218] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the process according to the invention; and
[0219] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the inventive step shown in Fig. 4.
[0220] Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the invention. By means of a first light source
[0221] 10 a light with a first wavelength is generated and irradiated onto a structure comprising a curable composition 14. The assembly is a layered assembly comprising a light-blocking layer
[0222] 11 and two transparent layers 12. The assembly further comprises a spacer 13. In the space formed by the two transparent layers 12 and the spacer 13, the curable composition 14 corresponding to the polymerizable starting material and containing one or more photoinitiator molecules according to the invention is introduced. The layered structure further comprises two light-blocking layers 11 arranged so that at least a portion of the curable composition 14 can be irradiated by both the light of the first wavelength generated by the first light source 10 and a light of a second wavelength generated by the second light source 15. The region of the curable composition 14 which can be irradiated both by light from the first light source 10 and by light from the second light source 15 is cured according to the mechanism described herein.
[0223] Figs. 2 and 3 show a schematic representation of an arrangement for a device for optical processing of an optically reactive material from above and from the side. A working volume is provided in a receiving container 51, 61, which is at least partially filled by a starting material. The starting material can comprise one or more substances, which can be solid, liquid or pasty. For processing, the starting material is irradiated with light of a first wavelength from a first light generator 52, 62 and optionally light of a first wavelength from a second light generator 53, which are irradiated in an overlapping manner in the working volume to trigger an optically activated reaction in a layer subvolume 54. The receiving container 51, 61, which is at least partially filled by a starting material may be moved along an axis for cuvette moving 55, 65 to shift the position of the subvolume 54 in the receiving container 51, 61 and in the starting material filled therein.
[0224] Alternatively, the first light generator 52, 62 and optionally the second light generator 53 may be moved along an axis to shift the position of the subvolume 54 in the receiving container 51, 61 and in the starting material filled therein (not shown in Figs. 2 and 3).
[0225] The first light generator 52, 62 and optionally the second light generator 53 maybe a light sheet generator.
[0226] Depending on the current position of the irradiation area 56, 66 (light sheet), the light of the second wavelength is projected with the aid of a projector 57, 67 into the layered part volume currently irradiated with the light of the first wavelength (projector or projection image). This means that the projection plane or projection volume of the projector 57, 67 is located in the layer subvolume that is currently being irradiated with the light of the first wavelength. The light of the first wavelength (light section) and the light of the second wavelength (light projection) thus at least partially overlap spatially or in a projection plane of the projector 57, 67 in a macroscopic partial layer volume of the starting material, which as a partial volume of the working volume which is just being irradiated by means of the light section.
[0227] Figures 4 and 5 show a further embodiment of the invention in which a part of a curable composition 24, 34, is cured, which is simultaneously irradiated both by light from a first light source 20, 30 and light from a second light source 25, 35 through holes 23, 33 in light-blocking layers 21, 31 which partially shield the curable composition 24, 34 from the respective light sources 20, 30 and 25, 35, respectively. The curable composition 24, 34 is here arranged in a transparent container 22, 32. In this version it is provided that the light source 20, 30 is arranged orthogonally with respect to the second light source 25, 35. In principle, however, other angles are also provided here according to the invention. In this embodiment shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the light from a first light source 20, 30 and light from a second light source 25, 35 have the same wavelength and different patterns or pictures are irradiated into the local volume from both directions. Embodiments according to Figures 4 and 5 show the base principle of volumetric printing technologies which rely on a single wavelength, such as CAL or parallax volumetric additive manufacturing. At least two light beams of the same wavelengths are irradiated into the local volume from at least two different angles. At the intersection of the at least two light beams a higher light dose is absorbed, leading to an enhanced polymerization of the photopolymerizable starting material and thus solidification only at the intersection region. The at least two different light beams can be realized by at least two different light sources or by one light source and change of the relative positioning, preferably rotating, of local volume and / or light source. As such it is conceivable to irradiate the at least two different light beams simultaneously or consecutively. Furthermore, the light beams can be shaped into projected images, e.g. via a digital micro mirror device (DMD).
[0228] Examples Synthesis of photoinitiator 7
[0229] 4-(Methylsulphonyl)phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (90 mmol), Cyclohexyl methyl ketone (173 mmol) and concentrated aqueous sulfuric acid (2 mL) are dissolved in glacial acetic acid (too mL). The mixture is is heated to 110 °C for 4 h and cooled to room temperature. The mixture is poured on ice and brought to pH 4 with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (2M). The mixture is extracted with ethyl acetate and the combined organic phases are dried over anhydrous MgSO4, followed by evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure. The crude indole derivative can be crystallized from ethanol but is usually used directly in the next step.
[0230] The obtained indole derivative is mixed with m-xylene (120 mL) and propane sultone is added (270 mmol). The mixture is heated to 160 °C for 16 h. After cooling to room temperature, the indolenium salt derivative precipitates, is filtered and washed with ethyl acetate. The product is directly used in the next step without further purification.
[0231] The indolenium salt derivative (1 mmol), Methyl 3-formyl-4-hydroxybenzoate (1 mmol), and Hiinig’s base (0.1 mmol) are dissolved in 10 mL EtOH and heated to 70 °C for 8 h. The mixture is cooled to room temperature, ethyl acetate is added, and the mixture is washed with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution. The combined organic phase is dried over anhydrous Na2SO4and the solvent is removed under reduced pressure. The product is purified by MPLC using methanol - water mixtures to yield photoinitiator 7 (0.4 mmol). The product is soluble in water, polar organic solvents, or halogenated solvents.
[0232] ■H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) 8 7.77 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.73 - 7.67 (m, 2H), 7.63 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 6.81 (d, J = 10.2 Hz, 1H), 6.73 Cd, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 6.42 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 5.66 (d, J = 10.2 Hz, 1H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.29 - 3.00 (m, 1H), 2.91 (s, 3H), 2.77 - 2.46 (m, 4H), 2.00 - 1.72 (m, 2H), 1.71 - 1.60 (m, 1H), 1.48 - 1.34 (m, 2H), 1.34 - 1.06 (m, 2H).
[0233] General Method for conversion to chloride salt
[0234] DAI salts are ion exchanged with a pre-equilibrated exchange resin (AmberChrom™ 1X8 Chloride form, 200-400 mesh) using MeOH / MeCN (1:1; v:v) to yield the respective DAI chloride salts.
[0235] General Method for synthesis of DAI3, DAI4, and DAI11
[0236] 1.96 parts of the respective iodonium carboxylate, 30 parts of chloroform and 0.45 parts of carbonyldiimidazole were mixed. After stirring at 23°C for 30 minutes, the mixture was further stirred at 5O°C for 2 hours. To the obtained mixed solution, 0.38 part of the respective amine or sugar was added, and the mixture was stirred. After stirring at 5O°C for 2 hours, the mixture was cooled to 23°C. To the obtained mixture, 30 parts of chloroform and 40 parts of a 1% aqueous oxalic acid solution were added. After stirring at 23°C for 30 minutes, the liquid was separated and the organic layer was taken out. After adding 30 parts of ion-exchanged water to the obtained organic layer and stirring at 23°C for 30 minutes, the liquid was separated and the organic layer was taken out. This washing operation was repeated 5 times. After concentrating the obtained organic layer, 40 parts of tert-butyl methyl ether was added to the concentrated residue. After stirring at 23°C for 30 minutes, the supernatant was removed and concentrated to obtain 1.41 parts of the crude product. The crude solid was purified using reverse phase MPLC and a methanol / water mixture.
[0237] Buffer solutions are prepared as follows:
[0238] 1M MES pH6.O:
[0239] 2-( -Morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (19.5 g) was dissolved in deionized water (75 mL) and 3 M hydrochloric acid was added until pH6.o is reached. The volume was filled to too mL with deionized water.
[0240] 1M BisTris pH .o:
[0241] Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-tris(hydroxymethyl)methan (20.9 g) was dissolved in deionized water (75 mL) and 3 M hydrochloric acid was added until pHy.o is reached. The volume was filled to too mL with deionized water.
[0242] 1M BisTris PH7.4:
[0243] Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-tris(hydroxymethyl)methan (20.9 g) was dissolved in deionized water (75 mL) and 3 M hydrochloric acid was added until PH7.4 is reached. The volume was filled to too mL with deionized water.
[0244] 1M BES pH8.O: dV-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (21.3 g) was dissolved in deionized water (75 mL) and 3 M hydrochloric acid was added until pH8.o is reached. The volume was filled to too mL with deionized water.
[0245] 1M TEOA pHg.o:
[0246] Tris(2-hydroxyethyl)amine (14.9 g) was dissolved in deionized water (75 mL) and 3 M hydrochloric acid was added until pHg.o is reached. The volume was filled to too mL with deionized water.
[0247] Stock solutions are prepared as follows:
[0248] 300 ppm eosin-Y
[0249] 3.0 mg of eosin Y (disodium salt; CAS: 17372-87-1; Sigma-Aldrich) were dissolved in 10 mL deionized water.
[0250] 25 mM DAI 01
[0251] 135-7 mg of DAI 01 were dissolved in 10 mL DMSO. 25 mM DAI 02
[0252] 105.3 mg of DAI 02 were dissolved in 10 mL DMSO.
[0253] 25 mM DAI 03
[0254] 116.6 mg of DAI 03 were dissolved in 10 mL DMSO.
[0255] 25 mM DAI 04
[0256] 134.2 mg of DAI 04 were dissolved in 10 mL DMSO.
[0257] 25 mM DAI 05
[0258] 81 mg of DAI 05 were dissolved in 10 mL DMSO.
[0259] 25 mM DAI 06
[0260] 116.5 mg of DAI 06 were dissolved in 10 mL DMSO.
[0261] 25 mM DAI 07
[0262] 107.3 mg of DAI 07 were dissolved in 10 mL DMSO.
[0263] 25 mM DAI 08
[0264] 166.9 mg of DAI 08 were dissolved in 10 mL DMSO.
[0265] 25 mM DAI 09
[0266] 171.8 mg of DAI 09 were dissolved in 10 mL DMSO.
[0267] 25 mM DAI 10
[0268] 79.1 mg of DAI 10 were dissolved in 10 mL DMSO.
[0269] 25 mM DAI 11
[0270] 134 mg of DAI 11 were dissolved in 10 mL DMSO.
[0271] 50 ppm TEMPO-L
[0272] 0.5 mg of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-i-oxyl (CAS: 2226-96-2) were dissolved in 10 mL deionized water.
[0273] 50 ppm Pyrogallol 0.5 mg of 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzen (CAS: 87-66-1) were dissolved in 10 mL deionized water.
[0274] 50 ppm Ascorbate
[0275] 0.5 mg of (+)-sodium L-ascorbate (CAS: 134-03-2) were dissolved in 10 mL deionized water.
[0276] Example Formulation 1 (printed with 375 nm & 500-650 nm)
[0277] Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g) and 1 (2 mg) were added to a mixture of deionized water (4 mL) and 1 M BisTris PH7.4 buffer (5 mL). The mixture was vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization, centrifuged and was used after gelation.
[0278] Example Formulation 2 (printed with 375 nm & 500-650 nm)
[0279] Gelatine (0.5 g) and 3 (2 mg) were added to a mixture of deionized water (5 mL) and 1 M BES pH8.o buffer (5 mL). The mixture was vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (Mw: 575 g / mol; 1.5 g) was added. The mixture was centrifuged and was used after gelation.
[0280] Example Formulation 3 (printed with 405 nm & 500-650 nm)
[0281] To a mechanically stirred mixture of poly(acrylic acid) interpolymer (Carbopol ETD 2020 NF; 24 mg) and deionized water (2.7 mL) 1 M TEOA pHq.o buffer (3.3 mL), polyethylene glycol diacrylate (Mw: 700 g / mol; 4.0 g), and photoinitiator 4 (2 mg) was added. The mixture was stirred until homogenization, centrifuged and was used directly.
[0282] Example Formulation 4 (printed with 375 nm & 500-650 nm)
[0283] To a mechanically stirred mixture of poly(acrylic acid) interpolymer (Carbopol ETD 2020 NF; 24 mg) and deionized water (2.7 mL) was added 1 M TEOA pHq.o buffer (3.3 mL), polyethylene glycol diacrylate (Mw: 700 g / mol; 4.0 g), and photoinitiator 6 (2 mg). The mixture was stirred until homogenization, centrifuged and was used directly.
[0284] Example Formulation 5 (glass-slide experiment with 375 nm & 500-650 nm)
[0285] To a mechanically stirred mixture of kappa-Carrageene (30 mg), deionized water (4.2 mL) and 1 M MES pH6.o buffer (5 mL) was added sodium acrylate (0.5 g), photoinitiator 1 (2 mg) and hyaluronic acid methacrylate (0.3 g) at 40 °C. The mixture was stirred until homogenization, centrifuged and was used directly.
[0286] Example Formulation 6 (glass-slide experiment with 375 nm & 500-650 nm)
[0287] To a mechanically stirred mixture of diphenyliodonium chloride (6 mg), lithium triphenyl (n- butyl) borate (20% aqueous solution; 0.5 g), deionized water (4.2 mL) and 1 M BES pH8.o buffer (5 mL) was added hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (50 mg), photoinitiator 1 (2 mg), acrylamide (1 g) and AyV'-methylenebisacrylamide (33 mg). The mixture was stirred until homogenization, centrifuged and was used directly. Example Formulation 7 (glass-slide experiment with 375 nm & 500-650 nm)
[0288] A modified urea (RHEOBYK-7420 ET; 0.3 g) and 6 (2 mg) were added to a mixture of deionized water (0.4 mL), 1 M TEOA pHq.o buffer (3.3 mL) and ethanol (3 mL). The mixture was stirred until homogenization and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (Mw: 575 g / mol; 1.5 g), N- isopropylacrylamid (1.0 g), and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (0.5 g) were added. The mixture was centrifuged and was used directly.
[0289] Example Formulation 8 (glass-slide experiment with 375 nm & 500-650 nm)
[0290] Alginate methacrylate (0.5 g), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (50 mg) and 1 (2 mg) were added to a mixture of deionized water (4 mL) and 1 M BisTris pHy.o buffer (5 mL). The mixture was vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization and a mixture of L-methionin (300 pg), folic acid (40 pg), potassium chloride (4 mg), and D-glucose (45 mg) in deionized water (1 mL) was added. The mixture was homogenized, centrifuged and was used directly.
[0291] Example Formulation 9 (glass-slide experiment with 375 nm & 500-650 nm)
[0292] Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g) and 1 (2 mg) was added to a mixture of deionized water (2.7 mL) and 1 M BisTris PH7.4 buffer (5.0 mL). The mixture was vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (Mw: 575 g / mol; 1.0 g) and N- isopropylacrylamid (0.3 g) were added. The mixture was homogenized, centrifuged and was used after gelation.
[0293] Example Formulation 10 (glass-slide experiment with 405 nm & 500-650 nm)
[0294] Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g) and 5 (2 mg) was added to a mixture of deionized water (1.8 mL) and 1 M TEOA pHq.o buffer (6.7 mL). The mixture was vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization and sodium acrylate (0.5 g) was added. The mixture was homogenized, centrifuged and was used after gelation.
[0295] Example Formulation 11 (glass-slide experiment with 375 nm)
[0296] Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g), hyaluronic acid methacrylate (0.2 g) and 1 (2 mg) were added to a mixture of deionized water (6.7 mL) and 1 M BisTris PH7.0 buffer (1.0 mL). The mixture was vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization and lithium triphenyl (n-butyl) borate (20% aqueous solution; 0.5 g), L-alanyl-L-glutamine dipeptide (4.3 mg), bovine serum albumin (5% aqueous solution, 0.5 g), insulin (0.625 mg / mL aqueous solution, 0.1 g) was added. The mixture was stirred until homogenization, centrifuged and was used directly.
[0297] Example Formulation 12 (glass-slide experiment with 375 nm)
[0298] Gelatine-methacryloyl (0.5 g), hyaluronic acid methacrylate (0.4 g), poly(acrylic acid) interpolymer (Carbopol ETD 2020 NF; 12 mg) and 1 (2 mg) were added to a mixture of deionized water (6.4 mL) and 1 M BisTris PH7.4 buffer (2.0 mL). The mixture was vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization and lithium triphenyl (n-butyl) borate (20% aqueous solution; 0.3 g), selenic acid (0.625 pg / mL aqueous solution, 0.1 g), human transferrin (0.625 mg / mL aqueous solution, o.i g), linoleic acid (0.5 mg / mL aqueous solution, 0.1 g), insulin-like growth factor 1 (50 qg / mL aqueous solution, 4 qL), fibroblast growth factor 2 (12.5 qg / mL aqueous solution, 4 qL), heparin (0.1 mg / mL aqueous solution, 50 qL), and fibronectin (1 mg / mL aqueous solution, too qL) were added. The mixture was stirred until homogenization, centrifuged and was used directly.
[0299] Example Formulation 13 (glass-slide experiment with 565 nm, same light source from top and bottom in figurei)
[0300] Polyethylene glycol diaciylate (Mw: 575 g / mol; 4 g) and water (1.0 g) were added to a solution of 2',4',5',7'-tetrabromofluorescein disodium salt (eosin-Y, CAS: 17372-87-1; 3 mg) in 1 M BisTris PH7.4 buffer (5.0 mL). The mixture was stirred until homogenization, centrifuged and was used directly.
[0301] Example Formulation 14 (printed with 405 nm)
[0302] Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g) and 5 (1 mg) are added to a mixture of water (5 mL) and 1 M BisTris PH7.4 buffer (5 mL). The mixture is vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization, centrifuged and can be used after gelation.
[0303] Example Formulation 15 (printed with 405 nm)
[0304] Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g) and 5 (1 mg) are added to a mixture of OptiPrep (60 wt. / vol. % aqueous solution of iodixanol, CAS: 92339-11-2; 5 mL) and 1 M BisTris PH7.4 buffer (5 mL). The mixture is vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization, centrifuged and can be used after gelation.
[0305] Example Formulation 16 (printed with 405 nm)
[0306] Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g), iohexol (CAS: 66108-95-0; 3 g) and 5 (1 mg) are added to a mixture of water (5 mL) and 1 M BisTris PH7.4 buffer (5 mL). The mixture is vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization, centrifuged and can be used after gelation.
[0307] Example Formulation 17 (printed with 405 nm)
[0308] Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g), iodixanol EP Impurity B (CAS: 31127-80-7; 3 g) and 2 (1 mg) are added to a mixture of water (5 mL) and 1 M BisTris PH7.4 buffer (5 mL). The mixture is vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization, centrifuged and can be used after gelation.
[0309] Example Formulation 18 (printed with 405 nm)
[0310] An aqueous formulation is prepared which contains: Gelatine-methacryloyl iow / vol%, iodixanol 24w / vol%, BisTris 0.15 M, neutralized to pH 7.4 using HC1, Glycine 7.5 mg / mL, L- Alanine 8.9 mg / mL, L- Arginine hydrochloride 126.4 rng / mL, L- Asparagine 13.2 mg / mL, L- Aspartic acid 13.3 mg / mL, L-Cysteine 24 mg / mL, L-Glutamic Acid 14.7 mg / mL, L-Glutamine 437 mg / mL, L-Histidine hydrochloride-H2O 42 mg / mL, L-Isoleucine 52.4 mg / mL, L-Leucine 52.4 mg / mL, L- Lysine hydrochloride 72.5 mg / mL, L-Methionine 15.1 mg / mL, L- Phenylalanine 33 mg / mL, L-Proline 11., 5 mg / mL, L-Serine 10.5 mg / mL, L-Threonine 47.6 mg / mL, L-Tryptophan 10.2 mg / mL, L-Tyrosine 36 mg / mL, L-Valine 46.8 mg / mL, Choline chloride 4 mg / mL, D-Calcium pantothenate 4 mg / mL, Niacinamide 4 mg / mL, Pyridoxine hydrochloride 4 mg / mL, Thiamine hydrochloride 4 mg / mL, i-Inositol 7.2 mg / mL, Calcium 1.8 mM, Magnesium 0.8 mM, Chloride 45.2 mM, D-Glucose 1000 mg / mL, Linoleic Acid 0.53 mg / mL, Albumin 4 mg / mL, Insulin 6.25 pg / mL, Transferrin 6.25 pg / mL, FGF 0.5 ng / mL, IGF 2 ng / mL, Fibronectin 1 pg / mL, human dermal fibroblasts ca. to6and 5 (0.01 w%).
[0311] Example Formulation 19 (printed with 405 nm)
[0312] An aqueous formulation is prepared which contains: Gelatine-methacryloyl iow / vol%, iodixanol 24w / vol%, BisTris 0.15 M, neutralized to pH 7.4 using HC1, Glycine 7.5 mg / mL, L- Alanine 8.9 mg / mL, L- Arginine hydrochloride 126.4 rng / mL, L- Asparagine 13.2 mg / mL, L- Aspartic acid 13.3 mg / mL, L-Cysteine 24 mg / mL, L-Glutamic Acid 14.7 mg / mL, L-Glutamine 437 mg / mL, L-Histidine hydrochloride-H2O 42 mg / mL, L-Isoleucine 52.4 mg / mL, L-Leucine 52.4 mg / mL, L- Lysine hydrochloride 72.5 mg / mL, L-Methionine 15.1 mg / mL, L- Phenylalanine 33 mg / mL, L-Proline 11., 5 mg / mL, L-Serine 10.5 mg / mL, L-Threonine 47.6 mg / mL, L-Tryptophan 10.2 mg / mL, L-Tyrosine 36 mg / mL, L-Valine 46.8 mg / mL, Choline chloride 4 mg / mL, D-Calcium pantothenate 4 mg / mL, Niacinamide 4 mg / mL, Pyridoxine hydrochloride 4 mg / mL, Thiamine hydrochloride 4 mg / mL, i-Inositol 7.2 mg / mL, Calcium 1.8 mM, Magnesium 0.8 mM, Chloride 45.2 mM, D-Glucose 1000 mg / mL, Linoleic Acid 0.53 mg / mL, Albumin 4 mg / mL, Insulin 6.25 pg / mL, Transferrin 6.25 pg / mL, FGF 0.5 ng / mL, IGF 2 ng / mL, Fibronectin 1 pg / mL, Mesenchymal stem cells ca. 2*io6and 5 (0.01 w%).
[0313] Example Formulation 20 (printed with 405 nm)
[0314] An aqueous formulation is prepared which contains: Gelatine-methacryloyl iow / vol%, iodixanol 24w / vol%, BisTris 0.15 M, neutralized to pH 7.4 using HC1, Glycine 7.5 mg / mL, L- Alanine 8.9 mg / mL, L- Arginine hydrochloride 126.4 rng / mL, L- Asparagine 13.2 mg / mL, L- Aspartic acid 13.3 mg / mL, L-Cysteine 24 mg / mL, L-Glutamic Acid 14.7 mg / mL, L-Glutamine 437 mg / mL, L-Histidine hydrochloride-H2O 42 mg / mL, L-Isoleucine 52.4 mg / mL, L-Leucine 52.4 mg / mL, L- Lysine hydrochloride 72.5 mg / mL, L-Methionine 15.1 mg / mL, L- Phenylalanine 33 mg / mL, L-Proline 11., 5 mg / mL, L-Serine 10.5 mg / mL, L-Threonine 47.6 mg / mL, L-Tryptophan 10.2 mg / mL, L-Tyrosine 36 mg / mL, L-Valine 46.8 mg / mL, Choline chloride 4 mg / mL, D-Calcium pantothenate 4 mg / mL, Niacinamide 4 mg / mL, Pyridoxine hydrochloride 4 mg / mL, Thiamine hydrochloride 4 mg / mL, i-Inositol 7.2 mg / mL, Calcium 1.8 mM, Magnesium 0.8 mM, Chloride 45.2 mM, D-Glucose 1000 mg / mL, Linoleic Acid 0.53 mg / mL, Albumin 4 mg / mL, Insulin 6.25 pg / mL, Transferrin 6.25 pg / mL, FGF 0.5 ng / mL, IGF 2 ng / mL, Fibronectin 1 pg / mL, Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) ca. 5*io5and 2 (0.01 w%).
[0315] Example Formulation 21 (printed with 375 nm)
[0316] An aqueous formulation is prepared which contains: Gelatine-methacryloyl iow / vol%, iodixanol 24w / vol%, BisTris 0.15 M, neutralized to pH 7.4 using HC1, Glycine 7.5 mg / mL, L- Alanine 8.9 mg / mL, L- Arginine hydrochloride 126.4 rng / mL, L- Asparagine 13.2 mg / mL, L- Aspartic acid 13.3 mg / mL, L-Cysteine 24 mg / mL, L-Glutamic Acid 14.7 mg / mL, L-Glutamine 437 mg / mL, L-Histidine hydrochloride-H2O 42 mg / mL, L-Isoleucine 52.4 mg / mL, L-Leucine 52.4 mg / mL, L- Lysine hydrochloride 72.5 mg / mL, L-Methionine 15.1 mg / mL, L- Phenylalanine 33 mg / mL, L-Proline 11., 5 mg / mL, L-Serine 10.5 mg / mL, L-Threonine 47.6 mg / mL, L-Tryptophan 10.2 mg / mL, L-Tyrosine 36 mg / mL, L-Valine 46.8 mg / mL, Choline chloride 4 mg / mL, D-Calcium pantothenate 4 mg / mL, Niacinamide 4 mg / mL, Pyridoxine hydrochloride 4 mg / mL, Thiamine hydrochloride 4 mg / mL, i-Inositol 7.2 mg / mL, Calcium 1.8 mM, Magnesium 0.8 mM, Chloride 45.2 mM, D-Glucose 1000 mg / mL, Linoleic Acid 0.53 mg / mL, Albumin 4 mg / mL, Insulin 6.25 pg / mL, Transferrin 6.25 pg / mL, FGF 0.5 ng / mL, IGF 2 ng / mL, Fibronectin 1 pg / mL, Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts ca. to6and 1 (0.01 w%).
[0317] Example Formulation 22 (printed with only 405 nm)
[0318] An aqueous formulation is prepared which contains: Gelatine-methacryloyl iow / vol%, iodixanol 24w / vol%, BisTris 0.15 M, neutralized to pH 7.4 using HC1, Glycine 7.5 mg / mL, L- Alanine 8.9 mg / mL, L- Arginine hydrochloride 126.4 mg / mL, L- Asparagine 13.2 mg / mL, L- Aspartic acid 13.3 mg / mL, L-Cysteine 24 mg / mL, L-Glutamic Acid 14.7 mg / mL, L-Glutamine 437 mg / mL, L-Histidine hydrochloride-H2O 42 mg / mL, L-Isoleucine 52.4 mg / mL, L-Leucine 52.4 mg / mL, L- Lysine hydrochloride 72.5 mg / mL, L-Methionine 15.1 mg / mL, L- Phenylalanine 33 mg / mL, L-Proline 11., 5 mg / mL, L-Serine 10.5 mg / mL, L-Threonine 47.6 mg / mL, L-Tryptophan 10.2 mg / mL, L-Tyrosine 36 mg / mL, L-Valine 46.8 mg / mL, Choline chloride 4 mg / mL, D-Calcium pantothenate 4 mg / mL, Niacinamide 4 mg / mL, Pyridoxine hydrochloride 4 mg / mL, Thiamine hydrochloride 4 mg / mL, i-Inositol 7.2 mg / mL, Calcium 1.8 mM, Magnesium 0.8 mM, Chloride 45.2 mM, D-Glucose 1000 mg / mL, Linoleic Acid 0.53 mg / mL, Albumin 4 mg / mL, Insulin 6.25 pg / mL, Transferrin 6.25 pg / mL, FGF 0.5 ng / mL, IGF 2 ng / mL, Fibronectin 1 pg / mL, Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) ca. 5*io5and Lithium phenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphinate (0.01 w%).
[0319] Example Formulation 23 (printed with only 405 nm)
[0320] An aqueous formulation is prepared which contains: Gelatine-methacryloyl iow / vol%, iodixanol 24w / vol%, BisTris 0.15 M, neutralized to pH 7.4 using HC1, Glycine 7.5 mg / mL, L- Alanine 8.9 mg / mL, L- Arginine hydrochloride 126.4 mg / mL, L- Asparagine 13.2 mg / mL, L- Aspartic acid 13.3 mg / mL, L-Cysteine 24 mg / mL, L-Glutamic Acid 14.7 mg / mL, L-Glutamine 437 mg / mL, L-Histidine hydrochloride-H2O 42 mg / mL, L-Isoleucine 52.4 mg / mL, L-Leucine 52.4 mg / mL, L- Lysine hydrochloride 72.5 mg / mL, L-Methionine 15.1 mg / mL, L- Phenylalanine 33 mg / mL, L-Proline 11., 5 mg / mL, L-Serine 10.5 mg / mL, L-Threonine 47.6 mg / mL, L-Tryptophan 10.2 mg / mL, L-Tyrosine 36 mg / mL, L-Valine 46.8 mg / mL, Choline chloride 4 mg / mL, D-Calcium pantothenate 4 mg / mL, Niacinamide 4 mg / mL, Pyridoxine hydrochloride 4 mg / mL, Thiamine hydrochloride 4 mg / mL, i-Inositol 7.2 mg / mL, Calcium 1.8 mM, Magnesium 0.8 mM, Chloride 45.2 mM, D-Glucose 1000 mg / mL, Linoleic Acid 0.53 mg / mL, Albumin 4 mg / mL, Insulin 6.25 pg / mL, Transferrin 6.25 pg / mL, FGF 0.5 ng / mL, IGF 2 ng / mL, Fibronectin 1 pg / mL, Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts ca. 106and Lithium phenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphinate (0.1 w%). Example Formulation 24 (printed with only 405 nm)
[0321] Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g) and Lithium phenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphinate (1 mg) were added to a mixture of deionized water (4 mL) and 1 M BisTris PH7.4 buffer (5 mL). The mixture was vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization, centrifuged and was used after gelation.
[0322] Example Formulation 25 (printed with only 405 nm)
[0323] Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g) and Lithium phenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphinate (20 mg) were added to a mixture of deionized water (4 mL) and 1 M BisTris PH7.4 buffer (5 mL). The mixture was vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization, centrifuged and was used after gelation.
[0324] Example Formulation as reference for RB-E
[0325] 1.0 mL 300 ppm eosin-Y stock solution, 2.0 mL PEGDA (Mw = 575 g / mol, Sigma-Aldrich), 5.0 mL 1M BisTris (PH7.4), 1.2 mL deionized water, 0.4 mL DMSO, and another 0.4 mL DMSO were added to a glass vial and mixed via agitation.
[0326] Example Formulations for reactivity tests (RB-E)
[0327] 1.0 mL 300 ppm eosin-Y stock solution, 2.0 mL PEGDA (Mw = 575 g / mol, Sigma-Aldrich), 5.0 mL 1M BisTris (PH7.4), 1.2 mL deionized water, 0.4 mL DMSO, and
[0328] 0.4 mL 25 mM of respective DAI were added to a glass vial and mixed via agitation.
[0329] Example Formulation as reference for RB-G
[0330] Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g) and 5 (0.5 mg) and 0.4 mL DMSO are added to a mixture of deionized water (6.6 mL) and 1 M BisTris PH7.4 buffer (2 mL). The mixture is vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization.
[0331] Example Formulations for reactivity tests (RB-G)
[0332] Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g) and 5 (0.5 mg) and 0.4 mL 25 mM of respective DAI are added to a mixture of deionized water (6.6 mL) and 1 M BisTris PH7.4 buffer (2 mL). The mixture is vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization.
[0333] Example Formulations including inhibitor
[0334] Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g) and 5 (0.5 mg), 25 mM DAI5 (0.4 mL), and 50 ppm TEMPO-L (1.0 mL) (Example 26), or and 50 ppm pyrogallol (1.0 mL) (Example 27), or and 50 ppm ascorbate (1.0 mL) (Example 28), respectively, are added to a mixture of deionized water (5.6 mL) and 1 M BisTris PH7.4 buffer (2 mL). The mixture is vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization, transferred into fluorescence cuvettes and centrifuged (1500 rpm).
[0335] Example Formulation 29
[0336] 1.0 mL 300 ppm eosin-Y stock solution, 2.0 mL PEGDA (Mw = 575 g / mol, Sigma-Aldrich), 5.0 mL 1M BisTris (PH7.4), 1.2 mL deionized water, 0.4 mL DMSO, and 0.4 mL 25 mM of DAI5 were added to a glass vial and mixed via agitation. Example Formulation 30
[0337] 1.0 mL 300 ppm eosin-Y stock solution, Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g), 5.0 mL 1M BisTris (PH7.4), 2.2 mL deionized water, 0.4 mL DMSO, and
[0338] 0.4 mL 25 mM of DAI5 were added to a glass vial and mixed via agitation.
[0339] Example Formulation 31
[0340] 1.0 mL 300 ppm eosin-Y stock solution, Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g), 5.0 mL 1M BisTris (PH7.4), 2.2 mL deionized water, 0.4 mL DMSO, and
[0341] 0.4 mL 25 mM of DAI8 were added to a glass vial and mixed via agitation.
[0342] Example Formulation 32
[0343] Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g) and 5 (0.5 mg) and 0.4 mL 25 mM of DAI5 are added to a mixture of deionized water (6.6 mL) and 1 M BisTris PH7.4 buffer (2 mL). The mixture is vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization.
[0344] Example Formulation 33
[0345] Gelatine-methacryloyl (1 g) and 5 (0.5 mg) and 0.4 mL 25 mM of DAI8 are added to a mixture of deionized water (6.6 mL) and 1 M BisTris PH7.4 buffer (2 mL). The mixture is vortexed at 40 °C until homogenization.
[0346] Formulations 1-4 and 14-21 and 26-28 and 32,33 were printed in a setup with a light sheet, a projector and a moved cuvette as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 (available as Xube2 from xolo GmbH). The following objects have been printed:
[0347] A cube in the dimensions of 8 mm x 8 mm x 8 mm comprising a channel with a width of 1.5 mm which connects three neighboring faces of the cube via the center.
[0348] A plate of the dimensions of 7 mm x 12 mm and a thickness of 1.5 mm, where cylindrical columns with an aspect ratio of 2:1 (height:width) are printed on one side of the plate. The columns have increasing diameters ranging from 50 pm to 1000 pm.
[0349] A cube in the dimensions of 8 mm x 8 mm x 8 mm with a regular open pore structure and a wall thickness of 1 mm (gyroid structure). A cube in the dimensions of 8 mm x 8 mm x 8 mm with a regular open pore structure and a wall thickness of 2 mm (gyroid structure).
[0350] A model of “The Thinker” by Aguste Rodin in a height of 11.5 mm.
[0351] A cube in the dimensions of 8 mm x 8 mm x 8 mm, wherein each pair of opposing faces is connected by 9 straight cylindrical channels with a diameter of 1.2 mm, forming a regular porous structure.
[0352] Formulations 5-9 and 11-12 were polymerized with light of two wavelengths in a setup according to Figure 1 using 375 nm as the first wavelength and 565 nm as the second wavelength. The solidification is observed first in the area where the light of both light sources intersects. Formulation 10 was polymerized with light of two wavelengths in a setup according to Figure 1 using 405 nm as the first wavelength and 565 nm as the second wavelength. The solidification is observed first in the area where the light of both light sources intersects.
[0353] Formulation 13 was polymerized with light of only one wavelength in a setup according to Figure 1 using two 565 nm light sources as light source 10 and 15. The solidification is observed first in the area where the light of both light sources intersects.
[0354] Formulations 13 and 22-25 were polymerized with light of only one wavelength in a setup according to Figure 4 or 5 using 405 nm. The solidification is observed first in the area where the light of both light sources intersects. The formed object is shaped according to the overlay section of both projections.
[0355] Formulations 13 and 22-31 were polymerized with light of only one wavelength in a setup according to Figure 4 or 5 using 565 nm. The solidification is observed first in the area where the light of both light sources intersects. The formed object is shaped according to the overlay section of both projections.
[0356] Methods
[0357] Cytotoxicity Assay
[0358] Primaiy dermal fibroblasts were seeded into culture plates at a density of 10,000-20,000 cells / cm2. The cells were exposed to the respective test components for 60 minutes. The components were diluted to the target concentration in standard culture medium comprising DMEM (high glucose), lx non-essential amino acids, lx penicillin / streptomycin, and 10% fetal bovine serum. Following incubation, the medium was removed and replaced with fresh culture medium.
[0359] Cytotoxicity was assessed by measuring metabolic activity using a resazurin assay 20 h after exposure to the diaryliodonium derivative. A commercially available resazurin working solution (Thermo Fisher) was diluted 1:10 in fresh culture medium and applied for 4 h. After incubation, fluorescence in the supernatant was measured at 560 nm excitation and 590 nm emission using a Tecan Infinite 2OoPro reader.
[0360] Fluorescence signals were background-corrected using a cell-free medium control and normalized to an unstimulated medium control (designated as positive control). A 0.1% saponin treatment, which permeabilizes all cells, was used as negative control.
[0361] Photoreactivity Assay
[0362] 1.5 mL of a photoresponsive liquid are magnetically stirred (stir bar length: 7 mm, diameter: 1.5 mm; 800 rpm) at 25 °C in a fluorescence cuvette. Irradiation by a 565 nm LED (Thorlabs mounted LED, 565 M4 L3) is focused into the container from one side (8 mm x 8 mm mask; -10-20 mW) and the time is measured until the stirrer stops spinning (tP).
[0363] The relative reactivity increase is determined vs example formulation 200 (non-boosted reference; tP,o): relative reactivity increase = (tP,o / tP-i)*ioo%
[0364] Volumetric Print
[0365] AXube2volumetric printer (xolo GmbH; 405 nm) is used to determine the minimum UV dose (EDCP) needed for chemically crosslinking the photoresponsive formulation at printing speed 1.5 mm / min. The relative reactivity increase is determined vs example formulation 213 (nonboosted reference; EDCP,o): relative reactivity increase = (EDCP,o- EDCP) / EDCP*ioo%
[0366] In a photopolymerization based on a type II initiation mechanism comprising an amine coinitiator, the initiation proceeds via a photoelectron transfer reaction, where an electron is transferred from the electron-rich amine to the excited state of the electron deficient photoinitiator. A common parameter to describe amines is the pKa value, where a high pKa value is typically associated with a high electron density at the nitrogen resulting in a high basicity. Since a high electron density would lead to a high reactivity for the photoelectron transfer, one would typically choose an amine with a high pKa value, such as triethanolamine as the co-initiator. Surprisingly this rule does not hold, when the aqueous environment has a pH around neutral, e.g. between 5 and 9. To give an illustrative example, the usually very reactive triethanolamine does not show any reactivity at pH 7. In such systems it has been found that the reactivity is increased by using a co-initiator with a lower pKa value, such as 7.5 to 4-5
[0367] The features disclosed in the above description, claims and drawing may be relevant to the realisation of the various designs either individually or in any combination.
Claims
Claims1. A process for volumetric printing of a shaped body comprising locally polymerizing a starting material, comprising: providing a polymerizable starting material, wherein the polymerizable starting material comprises a photoinitiator; a polymerizable compound; a bio-co-initiator; and water; and the polymerizable starting material has a pH value from 5 to 9; photopolymerizing the polymerizable starting material in a local volume by irradiating at least light of a first wavelength.
2. The process according to claim 1, wherein- the photoinitiator is converted by sequential optical excitation into a reactive state in which the photoinitiator locally triggers polymerization of the polymerizable starting material;- the photopolymerizing comprises irradiating the starting material in the local volume further with light of a second wavelength, different from the first wavelength, into the local volume;- the photoinitiator is converted, due to the absorption of the light of the first wavelength, from an initial state in which the photoinitiator substantially does not absorb the light of the second wavelength, into an intermediate state with changed optical properties compared to the initial state, such that the photoinitiator in the intermediate state absorbs the light of the second wavelength; and- the photoinitiator is transferred from the intermediate state to the reactive state due to the absorption of the light of the second wavelength, which triggers the polymerization locally.
3. The process according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein- the light of the first wavelength is irradiated into the local volume from a first direction and from a second direction different from the first direction;- the light of the first wavelength irradiated into the local volume from the first direction has a first intensity or a first intensity distribution;- the light of the first wavelength irradiated into the local volume from the second direction has a second intensity or a second intensity distribution.
4. The process according to any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the polymerizable starting material has a pH value from 7 to 8.
5. The process according to any of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the bio-co-initiator has a pKa value from 4.5 to 7.5.
6. The process according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the bio-co-initiator is an amine comprising at least one beta-hydroxy group or a borate salt comprising a borate anion, preferably a triarylalkylborate anion, and a cation selected from the group consisting of H+,D+, Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+.
7. The process according to claim 6, wherein the amine comprising at least one betahydroxy group is a tertiary amine comprising at least one beta-hydroxy group.
8. The process according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the amine comprising at least one betahydroxy group is an amine comprising at least four beta-hydroxy group.
9. The process according to any of the claims 6 to 8, wherein the bio-co-initiator may comprise at least one beta-sulfonate group.
10. The process according to claim 1, wherein the bio-co-initiator is selected from the following compounds11. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the photoinitiator includes a structural motif selected from the group consisting of a spiropyran structural motif, a spironaphthoxazine structural motif and a naphthopyran structural motif.
12. The process according to claim 11, wherein the photoinitiator further comprises at least one group selected from the group consisting of ammonium, polyethylene glycol, OH, NH2, SO2NH2, sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid; boronic acid; phosphonic acid, phosphates; phosphonates; sulfates; sulfonates; and carboxylates.
13. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the polymerizable compound comprises at least one polymerizable group selected from the group consisting of acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, and methacrylamide, norbornene, maleimide, vinyl, and thiol; and / or the polymerizable compound comprises a backbone and at least one polymerizable group bound to the backbone, wherein the backbone comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethyleneglycol, polyether, polypropyleneglycol, alkyl, synthesized proteins, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and chitosan alginate.
14. The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the polymerizable starting material further comprises an acid, preferably selected from the group consisting of HC1, H3PO4, KH2P04, NaH2P04, H2SO4, NaHSO4, KHSO4, a carboxylic acid, preferably acetic acid, formic acid, benzoic acid, a sulfonic acid, and a phosphonic acid.15- The process according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the polymerizable starting material further comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a rheology modifier, a further co-initiator, a nutrient, and a water-miscible solvent.
Citation Information
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