Natural extracted aerogels with inherent anisotropy and their 3D printing assisted biomedical applications

J Mater Chem B. 2017 Aug 21;5(31):6217-6220. doi: 10.1039/c7tb01377a. Epub 2017 Jul 14.

Abstract

Exemplified with jackfruit and sugarcane, natural extracted aerogels with inherent structural anisotropy were investigated for the first time. With the help of nano-modification, the dual liquid/current directing capability of the Ag decorated jackfruit aerogel was discovered. This interesting material was then applied as the core component of a 3D printed wearable device for intelligent wound management. The as-prepared ultra-light (<10 g) wearable device could provide drainage diversion, wound warning and triple antibacterial treatment in a continuous and automatic manner.