Green and Biomimetic Materials for Additive Manufacturing and Functional Soft Systems

At Fraunhofer IAP, we develop sustainable materials for additive manufacturing and biomedical applications. This talk will focus on three developments: light-curable resins, electrospun biomaterials, and magnetoresponsive polymers.

First, non-isocyanate-based urethane acrylates were produced using green synthesis routes. They are optimized for light-based 3D printing processes and combine high biocompatibility with flexible mechanical properties—ideal for patient-specific implants.

Second, high-molecular-weight non-isocyanate-based polyurethanes (NIPUs) were spun into nanofibrillar scaffolds that resemble the extracellular matrix. These structures promote cell adhesion without additional functionalization and are suitable for regenerative medicine.

Third, aerosol-based multi-material printing technology enables the production of polymer composite systems with targeted magnetic functionality. This opens new avenues for soft robotics and implantable systems with remotely controllable movement.

One concrete example is the development of individually printable isolation chambers for tissue engineering in the arteriovenous loop model. These chambers demonstrate comparable in vivo results to conventional materials, but are more sustainable and more adaptable.

The presentation will demonstrate how new, sustainable and multifunctional systems are emerging through material development, innovative processes, and practical applications.

Presentation language: EN