Borophene Based 3D Extrusion Printed Nanocomposite Hydrogel for Antibacterial and Controlled Release Application

Herein, a borophene/zinc oxide (BZ) nanocomposite is synthesized through a straightforward one-step solvothermal process, avoiding the need for any rigorous reducing agent. The BZ nanocomposites are introduced into semi-interpenetrating polymer networks to form hydrogels via in situ UV triggered free radical gelation during three-dimensional (3D) microextrusion printing. The hydrogels exhibit mechanical robustness, high compressibility, pH sensitivity, and microporosity. The diffusion behavior of the hydrogel shows a combination of swelling and molecular chain relaxation based on its water uptake kinetics. Hydrogels are tested in rigorous pH environments over multiple cycles to ensure structural integrity. The rheological assessment of the hydrogels proves their high elasticity. The uniaxial mechanical properties support its mechanical toughness and zero permanent set resulting elastomeric soft matrix. The cyclic compression test up to 100 cycles has negligible data deviations in calculating compression moduli (≈24 kPa). The hydrogels are non-toxic and found to be effective bactericidal materials for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The hydrogel demonstrates pH-responsive time-dependent payload release behavior, suggesting its potential as a soft matrix drug carrier in biomedical research. To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first report of BZ-based soft biomaterial with antibacterial properties serving as an excellent controlled drug delivery device.