Page 256 - IJB-10-1

International Journal of Bioprinting 3D-printed hydrogel with antioxidant activity

Figure 2. Effect of guar gum addition on (A) the morphology as assessed using SEM, (B) XRD spectra, and (C) FTIR spectra of cellulose microfibrils and
guar gum-based ink. Abbreviations: CMF, cellulose microfibril; gg, guar gum; w/, 100 mL of 1% (w/v) CMFs.

printed constructs. SEM images (Figure 2A) show 23.1°, which are the characteristic peaks for cellulose I, 20,39
37
characteristic fiber-like strands of CMFs. These strands and at 2θ = 19.5°, which represents the crystalline region of
34
40
reduced as the level of guar gum increased in the matrix, and guar gum. These peaks may indicate effective dispersion
8,18
smoother or more even and associated clusters appeared. of CMFs and guar gum in the ink matrix, suggesting
These images imply the compatibility of CMFs and guar good thermodynamic compatibility of the two polymers
gum, owing to the ability of CMFs and guar gum to form that would enhance stability in biological systems.
−1
an interpenetrating network and to the presence of many Furthermore, FTIR peaks (Figure 2C) at 1059 cm (C–O
38
−1
hydroxyl groups of guar gum that undergo intermolecular stretching) and 3370 cm (O–H stretching vibration)
hydrogen bonding with CMFs to form a highly viscous and reduced with the increasing concentration of guar gum,
41
stable interpenetrating network 3D structure. 37 indicating good development of CMFs/guar gum matrix
by hydrogen bonding; of which observations are consistent
The XRD spectra (Figure 2B) show considerable with SEM and XRD results. Meanwhile, a reappearance of
reduction in the absorption peaks at 2θ = 16.2°, 19.5°, and the peak at 2900 cm following the addition of 7% guar
−1
Volume 10 Issue 1 (2024) 248 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijb.0164