Vinyl-modified silica nanoparticles for mSLA: Promoting photocurable PEGDA resin performance and print quality.

Abstract

Novel biocompatible photocurable resins designed for home-own 3D printers were developed by modifying poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) resins with self-synthesized vinyl-functionalized silica nanoparticles (0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt%). The vinyl-modified silica nanoparticles (V-SNP) acted as dense crosslinking chain extenders within the polymer matrix when activated by a 405 nm light source, while maintaining hydrophobicity. This modification enhanced photocuring efficiency. The mechanical properties of the resin were substantially improved (compressive stress increased from 80 MPa to 177 MPa). The addition of V-SNP nanoparticles effectively dissipated heat generated during curing, minimizing air bubble entrapment and void formation, thereby improving print quality. Furthermore, cell viability assays (CCK-8) demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, with the V-SNP modified resin achieving a cell survival rate of 109 %, compared to 80 % for unmodified PEGDA resin. Printing tests using microneedle models further confirmed a higher success rate in fabricating detailed, high-quality miniature structures with the modified resin.