In keeping with the College of Washington, Alshakim Nelson, chemistry professor and NIST College Fellow, is creating 3D printing supplies that aren’t solely biodegradable and sustainable but in addition stronger when harassed. His lab focuses on the chemistry behind 3D printing, creating their very own bioplastics with aggressive mechanical properties – one thing they couldn’t discover available on the market. “We would have liked a cloth that was 3D printable and biodegradable but in addition had good mechanical properties,” mentioned Nelson.
The group pairs these customized bioplastics with revolutionary printing strategies to unlock new and typically shocking functionalities. “It seems like cooking, besides the elements are limitless,” mentioned undergraduate Angus Berg.
A standout innovation from Nelson’s lab is a bioplastic that strengthens after being compressed. This impact is because of a lattice construction co-designed with mechanical engineering professor Lucas Meza, permitting the fabric to soak up drive with out cracking – a possible game-changer for building and medical gadgets.
Nelson, who joined UW in 2015 after a decade at IBM, now works throughout disciplines with researchers in engineering and medication. His lab’s present tasks embrace 3D printed stents that may launch anti-inflammatory compounds contained in the physique. These therapeutic supplies stay viable for over a 12 months and may be shelf-stored for six months.
“One of many cool issues we’ve found is that these supplies keep viable for prolonged intervals of time,” mentioned Nelson. This opens the door to native, on-demand pharmaceutical manufacturing – even in house. “May this type of bioproduction be completed in house? I feel it’s doable,” mentioned Nelson, referencing the potential for future NASA missions.
Nearer to dwelling, the UW researchers are experimenting with plant-based proteins for printing. “We lately discovered that we are able to print with a protein from genetically engineered rice,” mentioned Nelson. “It has good properties and can even present new capabilities.”
From strengthening buildings to producing medication in orbit, Nelson’s group is reimagining what 3D printing can do.
