Using a recipe containing gelatin, glucose, citric acid and glycerol, researchers have made biodegradable, recyclable ink with which they 3D print soft robots that can be crafted into complex shapes. The gel can be reused to make other robots and objects up to five times before losing its mechanical properties, when it degrades leaving no trace when placed in water, compost or sewage for several hours. This could mean sustainable 3D printing, traditionally reliant on petroleum-based plastics.
Source: A. Heiden et al. 3D printing of resilient biogels for omnidirectional and exteroceptive soft actuators. Science Robotics, 2022.
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