New (Photo)polymerization Methods and Bioconjugation (A2.2)

Project A2.2 aims to develop sustainable photopolymerization strategies for light-based 3D printing beyond traditional radical curing of vinyl monomers, which lacks biocompatibility, adaptability, and degradability. New approaches use photocatalysts, biocaged molecules, and renewable feedstocks such as polyol-based inks. Incorporating heteroatoms and dynamic covalent chemistries enables printed materials to degrade more readily, adapt to their environment, and show responsive or “living” behavior.

The project also targets precise light-controlled functionalization by integrating photoreactive groups, peptide-based building blocks, and efficient methods for late-stage introduction of functional moieties that support photo-controlled (bio)conjugation and spatially defined modification.