Engineering multifunctional UV-polymerizable imidazolidinyl urea-based methacrylate resin for 3D printing: Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties

3D photo printing provides immense flexibility in shaping polymeric objects with intricate geometries. However, the limited availability of photoactive resins for 3D printing poses numerous challenges in realizing the desired material properties in terms of accuracy, printing resolution, and the tunability of mechanical and biodegradable characteristics. To encounter this, researchers consistently strive to develop new photoresins with multifunctional capabilities. Herein, we have reported for the first time, an easy and straightforward synthesis of imidazolidinyl urea (IU) based photoactive resins for high-resolution 3D printing. Our study delves into the impact of photoinitiator, viscosity, photoinhibitor, and photoabsorber on the 3D printing process. Moreover, a comprehensive examination of the physicochemical properties, encompassing thermal, mechanical, and biodegradation behavior reveals the tunability of these properties by adjusting the monomer-to-crosslinker ratio. Furthermore, our printed polymers exhibited strong antimicrobial properties against gram-positive bacteria B. subtilis and gram-negative bacteria E. coli while maintaining minimal toxicity towards mouse fibroblast (NIH-3 T3) cells. In summary, our newly developed IU-based resin emerges as a competitive alternative, addressing the growing demand for advanced photoresins with superior high-resolution 3D printing capabilities, particularly in biomedical applications. This important achievement not only expands the possibilities of 3D printing technology but also presents a versatile solution with promising implications for various biomedical needs.