【公開日：2025.06.10】【最終更新日：2025.04.21】
課題データ / Project Data
課題番号 / Project Issue Number
24CT0230
利用課題名 / Title
Biodegradable Shape Memory Polymeric Material from Epoxidized Soybean Oil
利用した実施機関 / Support Institute
公立千歳科学技術大学 / Chitose IST
機関外・機関内の利用 / External or Internal Use
外部利用/External Use
技術領域 / Technology Area
【横断技術領域 / Cross-Technology Area】（主 / Main）物質・材料合成プロセス/Molecule & Material Synthesis（副 / Sub）計測・分析/Advanced Characterization
【重要技術領域 / Important Technology Area】（主 / Main）次世代バイオマテリアル/Next-generation biomaterials（副 / Sub）高度なデバイス機能の発現を可能とするマテリアル/Materials allowing high-level device functions to be performed
キーワード / Keywords
Biodegradable Polymers /Shape Memory Polymer /Direct Printing Aligners /Acrylated and Methacrylated Soybean Oil/3D Printing in Orthodontics,核磁気共鳴/ Nuclear magnetic resonance,赤外・可視・紫外分光/ Infrared/visible/ultraviolet spectroscopy,電子顕微鏡/ Electronic microscope,走査プローブ顕微鏡/ Scanning probe microscope,赤外・可視・紫外分光/ Infrared/visible/ultraviolet spectroscopy,バイオアダプティブ材料/ Bioadaptive materials,生分解性材料/ Biodegradable material,抗菌・抗ウイルス材料/ Antibacterial/antiviral materials
利用者と利用形態 / User and Support Type
利用者名（課題申請者）/ User Name (Project Applicant)
スニガ エレディア エンリケ エズラ
所属名 / Affiliation
北海道医療大学歯学部歯学科
共同利用者氏名 / Names of Collaborators in Other Institutes Than Hub and Spoke Institutes
ARIM実施機関支援担当者 / Names of Collaborators in The Hub and Spoke Institutes
利用形態 / Support Type
（主 / Main）機器利用/Equipment Utilization（副 / Sub）-
利用した主な設備 / Equipment Used in This Project
CT-002：フーリエ変換赤外分光光度計（FTIR)/赤外顕微鏡
CT-005：核磁気共鳴装置（NMR）
CT-009：走査型プローブ顕微鏡 （SPM)
CT-010：走査型電子顕微鏡（SEM）
CT-011：電界放出形走査電子顕微鏡（FE-SEM）
報告書データ / Report
概要（目的・用途・実施内容）/ Abstract (Aim, Use Applications and Contents)
The field of orthodontics has experienced significant transformation with the advent of 3D printing technologies, particularly in the fabrication of clear aligners. However, the heavy reliance on fossil fuel-derived polymers poses substantial environmental challenges due to their non-biodegradable nature, significantly contributing to global plastic waste. Orthodontic treatments typically require multiple aligners per patient, generating substantial waste that burdens landfill spaces, exacerbates pollution, and contributes to resource depletion. Thus, there is an urgent need to shift towards sustainable, biodegradable materials in orthodontics.Addressing these environmental challenges, this research aims to develop a biodegradable shape memory polymer (SMP) using acrylated soybean oil (ASO), methacrylated soybean oil (MSO), methacrylated polylactic acid (MPLLA), and isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA). By utilizing the biodegradable and renewable properties of ASO, MSO, and MPLLA combined with the mechanical robustness and versatility of IBOMA, the project seeks to innovate orthodontic clear aligners that are environmentally sustainable and clinically effective. This approach aims to significantly reduce plastic waste and foster sustainable healthcare practices in orthodontics.
実験 / Experimental
The biodegradable shape memory polymer (SMP) will be synthesized by chemically modifying epoxidized soybean oil and polylactic acid (PLLA) with methacrylate and acrylate groups to render them photoreactive. These modified materials will then be combined with isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA). Various ratios of acrylated soybean oil (ASO), methacrylated soybean oil (MSO), methacrylated polylactic acid (MPLLA), and IBOMA will be investigated to identify the optimal polymeric blend. Photopolymerization and crosslinking techniques will be employed to synthesize and cure the material specifically for application in 3D printing.Characterization of the chemically modified and synthesized materials will be conducted using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to verify successful chemical modifications. Further characterization will involve thermal analyses such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), alongside mechanical testing, including tensile and compression tests. Nanoindentation testing will determine the hardness and elastic modulus, while a Universal Testing Machine will evaluate tensile and compressive strength.Cytotoxicity assays with cell cultures will ensure biocompatibility of the synthesized polymer. The shape memory properties will be optimized by evaluating different deformation (programming) and triggering (thermal or light) conditions, with a thorough assessment of the shape recovery capabilities under controlled environments. Biodegradation testing will also be carried out under simulated environmental conditions, and degradation by-products will be analyzed for their environmental compatibility.Orthodontic aligner prototypes will be fabricated from the biodegradable SMP using Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printing technology. The performance of these aligners, including printability, dimensional accuracy, and orthodontic force application, will be evaluated. DLP technology will be utilized to fabricate prototypes, focusing on resin flow, curing times, and optimal light intensities. Layer thicknesses will be optimized for printing speed and accuracy through experiments evaluating exposure times, light calibration, and post-curing processes. Computational Tomography (CT) will measure the dimensional accuracy relative to original STL models, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) will provide detailed microscale surface characterization. The orthodontic forces exerted by aligners will also be tested for clinical applicability.CT scans will assess aligner fitting and comfort on anatomical dental models. Comparative studies will be conducted between these biodegradable SMP aligners and traditional fossil-derived aligners, analyzing fitting accuracy, orthodontic force, patient comfort, and environmental impact. Advanced analytical and biomechanical assessment tools will provide a comprehensive evaluation.
結果と考察 / Results and Discussion
The acrylated and methacrylated soybean oils were successfully synthesized, and their chemical modifications were confirmed through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR analysis indicated new characteristic peaks corresponding to the acrylate and methacrylate functional groups, validating the successful functionalization of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and polylactic acid (PLLA).Initial formulation tests revealed that an ink blend consisting of 60% methacrylated epoxidized soybean oil (MESO) and 40% acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) exhibited an elastic modulus of approximately 3 GPa. Although promising in terms of stiffness, this formulation showed limited toughness. Consequently, efforts are underway to enhance material toughness by incorporating modified PLLA into the polymer blend, aiming to balance mechanical strength and flexibility suitable for orthodontic applications.
図・表・数式 / Figures, Tables and Equations
その他・特記事項（参考文献・謝辞等） / Remarks(References and Acknowledgements)
This research is ongoing, and we anticipate completing the development and optimization of this material, with the goal of filing a patent by the end of the year.
成果発表・成果利用 / Publication and Patents
論文・プロシーディング（DOIのあるもの） / DOI (Publication and Proceedings)
口頭発表、ポスター発表および、その他の論文 / Oral Presentations etc.
- Sakurada T, Zuniga-Heredia, Matsuki Y, Egami Y, Iijima M. Research on 3D printing materials using surface-modified bioactive glass- the 83rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Orthodontic Society. 2024, October 29-31, Yokohama, Japan.
- Zuniga-Heredia E E, Matsuki Y, Egami Y, Sakurada T, Iijima M. "Innovative Advances in Orthodontics: Nanomaterials for Enamel Remineralization and Sustainable Solutions." Academic Meeting and LII Thesis Seminar, Intercontinental University, Mexico City, Mexico, August 29-30, 2024. Invited lecture.
- Zuniga-Heredia E E, Matsuki Y, Egami Y, Sakurada T, Iijima M. "Advances in 3D Printing in Orthodontics: Sustainable Innovation for the Future." School of Dentistry, Technological University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico, August 27, 2024. Invited lecture.
特許 / Patents
特許出願件数 / Number of Patent Applications：0件
特許登録件数 / Number of Registered Patents：0件