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Researchers develop self-repairing and anti-microbial plant-based polymer
From medicine to electronics and optics, new materials developed by scientists at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) can be applied in various fields where cleanliness, precision, and durability are essential. They stand out not only for their functionality but also for their sustainability: they are made from renewable raw materials, and no solvents are used during production.
The new invention – polymers developed by KTU researchers – belongs to the class of vitrimers, a relatively new type of polymer discovered only about three decades ago and named vitrimers just 15 years ago. This makes it a rapidly growing research field that is attracting increasing attention from scientists worldwide.
Eliminates use of additives making it more environmentally friendly
According to Ostrauskaitė, until now most vitrimers were derived from petroleum resources and required catalysts for processing.
“Advanced materials can be not only functional, but also friendly to people and the environment. Such work paves the way for technologies that contribute to a safer and more sustainable everyday life,” says professor Jolita Ostrauskaitė at the KTU Department of Polymer Chemistry and Technology.
“The polymers we have developed are unique because they are made from plant-based compounds, cured under UV or visible light, and do not require catalysts for processing. This happens naturally due to the chemical structure of the material itself,” emphasizes the scientist.
This is important not only because it simplifies the technological process but also for sustainability – catalysts are often expensive, derived from non-renewable resources, or even toxic. By eliminating them, material consumption is reduced, no additional additives are needed, and the technology becomes simpler, safer, and more environmentally friendly.
“Vitrimers are thermosetting polymers that, thanks to dynamic covalent bonds, can be thermally reprocessed or reshaped, similar to thermoplastics. At certain temperatures, they can self-heal after damage and also retain a temporary shape that can later be restored – this is known as thermally responsive shape memory,” explains prof. Ostrauskaitė.
These materials were developed and studied by researchers from the Department of Polymer Chemistry and Technology at KTU: KTU PhD student Viltė Šereikaitė, Dr. Aukse Navaruckienė, and Dr. Sigita Grauželienė.
Polymers with such properties are considered smart materials, opening new possibilities for advanced high-tech applications.
KTU scientist notes that the most significant scientific achievement was combining, in a single material, plant-based origin, radiation-induced polymerization, self-repairing ability, shape memory, antimicrobial effect, and suitability for optical 3D printing.
“Such multifunctional and sustainable solutions are still very rare, making this an important step forward both scientifically and industrially,” says KTU researcher.
Suitable for optical 3D printing
One of the most notable achievements by KTU researchers is the polymers’ suitability for optical 3D printing, which can be performed at room temperature, consumes less energy, and generates less waste. When exposed to UV or visible light, these polymers can be printed in complex shapes, such as medical device connectors.
“We successfully printed a Y-shaped connector – a typical medical component used to join tubes in infusion or respiratory equipment. This part requires high precision, making it an excellent test of the material we developed,” the professor explains.
Optical 3D printing technology also allows the production of other complex components, such as optical lenses or electronics parts, which demand extremely precise dimensions and geometry. Additionally, the material can be shaped into temporary structures that can later be transformed or repaired – invaluable for prototyping and quickly responding to industrial needs.
Another important innovation is the polymers’ antimicrobial properties, arising from structural fragments in their composition.
“The starting compounds used in the study were obtained from plant oils and by-products of biodiesel production, and certain fragments interfere with bacteria and other microorganisms, disrupting their vital functions. This is why such materials can be used to create surfaces or products that must remain clean and hygienic, for example, in medical devices, electronics, sensors, or other items where microbial control is critical,” explains the KTU scientist.
Test results showed that the materials effectively inhibited standard and other common microorganisms.
The study was conducted as part of a Lithuanian Research Council-funded project No. S-MIP-23-52, Antimicrobial Shape-Memory Photopolymers from Plant-Based Materials, in collaboration with scientists from the State Scientific Research Institute Nature Research Center, JSC 3D Creative, and partners from the University of Upper Alsace in France and Centria University of Applied Sciences in Finland.
source : KTU/Specialchem
