Embedded 3D printing of multi-internal surfaces of hydrogels

The most current 3D printing method involves the combination of additional processes, such as casting and demolding, to produce an organ model. This method requires professionals to invest a considerable amount of time in editing the model and post-processing activities. In this work, embedded three-dimensional printing (EMB3D) is performed in a transparent and photocrosslinkable support medium. Based on a photo-curable hydrogel precursor with yield stress behavior, a new EMB3D printing strategy is developed, which could be considered as an inverse process. During printing, a closed shell is formed with a release ink using a capillary needle. After printing, the support medium is photocrosslinked to a solid part, and the object is peeled off along with the closed shell. The stated approach makes it possible to produce transparent and elastic solid objects with multi-internal surfaces. Moreover, it can be applied in providing a soft, dissectible, accurate, and highly interactive model for medical doctors to facilitate surgical processes.