Material extrusion-based 3D printing for the fabrication of bacteria into functional biomaterials: The case study of ammonia removal application
Journal
Additive Manufacturing
Journal Volume
60
Date Issued
2022-12-01
Author(s)
Li, Yan
Peng, Shuqiang
Li, Kunrong
Qin, Dan
Weng, Zixiang
Li, Jiangwei
Zheng, Longhui
Wu, Lixin
Abstract
3D printing provides a new way of microbial immobilization technology and creates innovative designed bioactive structures containing microorganisms for remediation of environmental pollution. However, the bio-ink design remains a critical challenge due to the difficulty in creating a durable and bio-friendly material. Here, a novel dual-crosslinking PEGDA-Alginate-PVA-Nanoclay (PAPN) bio-ink containing one heterotrophic bacterium is reported for 3D printing functional biomaterial with the capabilities of ammonia removal. The results showed that PAPN 3D printed bio-scaffolds could effectively remove 96.2 ± 1.3% ammonia within 12 h, and the removal rate increased within repeated use owing to the growth of bacteria inside the bio-scaffolds. Preservation of the bio-scaffolds under room temperature without a culture medium for 168 h still maintained the microbial activity for ammonia removal. It is demonstrated that visible-light-based 3D printing procedures could maintain high cell viability for the majority of bacteria, and the porous structures of 3D bio-scaffolds could allow the permeability of nutrients for the growth of bacteria. This work demonstrates the potential of the dual crosslinked PAPN 3D bio-scaffold for the production and application of immobilized functional bacteria in wastewater treatment.
Subjects
Ammonia removal | Bio-ink | Dual crosslinking | Heterotrophic bacteria | Material extrusion-based 3D printing
Publisher
ELSEVIER
Type
journal article