Engineering fully quaternized (Dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-based photoresins for 3D printing of biodegradable antimicrobial polymers

Nowadays, medical devices or implants are widely used in the medical field to treat different diseases. However, bacterial infections are one of the significant problems associated with medical devices and are recognized as a concern in healthcare worldwide. Addressing this problem has driven the exploration of new materials with potent antibacterial properties. In this regard, quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), which are organic salts with an alkane chain and a charged part of quaternary ammonium groups, came up with a potent antibacterial activity. Herein, we report for the first-time dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate (DMAEM) derived quaternary ammonium monomer and crosslinker to prepare photoresins for DLP (Digital light processing) 3D printing. The structure of the synthesized monomer and crosslinker was confirmed via FTIR (Fourrier Transform Infrared) and H-1 NMR (Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) while the physicochemical properties of the 3D printed polymer were investigated using TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis), DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimeter) and UTM (Universal testing machine). By optimizing the printing conditions and monomer to crosslinker ratio, we can print high-resolution 3D-printed objects. Additionally, in vitro biodegradation, cytocompatibility, and hemocompatibility tests revealed that the printed polymers are biodegradable, cytocompatible, and hemocompatible in nature. More importantly, the printed polymers exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, suggesting their potential utility in personalized antibacterial medical devices.