Systems and methods for selective shape transformation of 3d-printed materials

Abstract

Shape-restoring materials, as well as techniques for generating shape-restoring materials, are described. An example method includes generating a construct by exposing, to UV-visible light, a resin comprising a globular protein, a water-soluble co-monomer, light-to-heat converting nanoparticles, water, and a photoinitiator. At least a portion of the water is removed from the construct. The construct is converted from a first shape to a second shape by applying a force to the construct. The construct is reverted to the first shape in response to being exposed to NIR light, due to the absorption of the NIR light by the nanoparticles.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.