Morphological, Biological and Physicochemical Evaluation of ABS-Based Systems Containing Graphene Obtained by 3D Printing via Solution

Abstract

3D printing is a valuable resource that allows flexibility in the production of objects based on a virtual file. When it is combined with nanotechnology, new features can be added to existing materials. Thus, form and function can be associated to achieve a specific goal, such as the development of support structures for cell growth applicable to systems aiding tissue regeneration. Based on this rationale, the present work proposes a system composed of ABS and graphene nanoparticles solubilized in acetone to be 3D impressed using solvent casting technique. Our main goal was to develop a biocompatible and non-degradable material that fully makes use of the design versatility of 3D printing, to enable new practical employments in the future, for example in the medical field. In this study, different characterization techniques were used—such as microscopy, TGA, DSC, and others—to understand the features and properties of the material obtained, as well as the viability of its use and diffusion. Moreover, the artifacts impressed proved to be non-cytotoxic and promoted cellular adhesion to the cellular lineage of fibroblasts L929. In sum, we believe that the technology described in this article has the potential to serve as a basis for the development of future biocompatible materials that take advantage of their three-dimensional design to perform their functions.