Development of high-resolution 3D printable polymerizable ionic liquids for antimicrobial applications

In recent years, 3D printing has undergone a significant transformation, expanding beyond its initial niche applications, such as rapid prototyping and hobbyist projects. This evolution has been characterized by advancements in equipment, software, and, most notably, materials. However, the development of materials that present high-resolution and advanced tunable functionalities is still a challenge. Herein, we report the development of modular 3D-printable antimicrobial polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) scaffolds with in situ formation of copper-based nanoparticles within the polymeric matrix (Cu@PILs). A variety of formulations were specially designed and optimized to be printed by digital light processing and masked stereolithography techniques at high resolution. The antimicrobial activity as well as the biocompatibility of the different formulations was tested, changing the monomeric ionic liquid and the photoinitiator. Tailor-made objects were successfully manufactured, and as a demonstrator, a geometry compatible with a medical stent was printed.