Researchers Develop Self-Healing and Antimicrobial Plant-Based Polymers

According to Ostrauskaitė, so far, most glass trimers have been derived from petroleum resources and require catalysts for processing.

“Advanced materials are not only functional but also friendly to humans and the environment. This work paves the way for technologies that contribute to safer and more sustainable daily living."Professor Jolita Ostrauskaitė from the Department of Polymer Chemistry and Technology at KTU said."

“Our developed polymers are unique because they are made from plant-based compounds, cure under ultraviolet or visible light, and do not require catalysts for processing. This occurs naturally due to the chemical structure of the material itself.This scientist emphasized.

This is very important, not only because it simplifies technical processes, but also for sustainability—catalysts are often expensive, sourced from non-renewable resources, and can even be toxic. By eliminating them, material consumption can be reduced, no additional additives are required, and the technology becomes simpler, safer, and more environmentally friendly.

“Vitrimers are thermosetting polymers that, due to dynamic covalent bonds, can be processed or remolded like thermoplastics. At certain temperatures, they can self-heal after being damaged and retain temporary shapes that can be recovered later—this is known as thermally induced shape memory.,"Professor Ostrauskaitė explained.

These materials were developed and studied by researchers from the Department of Polymer Chemistry and Technology at KTU: PhD student Viltė Šereikaitė, Dr. Aukse Navaruckienė, and Dr. Sigita Grauželienė.

Polymers with this characteristic are considered smart materials, opening up new possibilities for advanced high-tech applications.

KTU scientists pointed out that the most important scientific achievement is the combination of plant-based origin, radiation-induced polymerization, self-healing ability, shape memory, antibacterial effect, and suitability for optical 3D printing in a single material.

“This kind of multifunctional and sustainable solution is still very rare, which makes it an important step forward in both science and industry.,"said the KTU researcher.

One of the most notable achievements of KTU researchers is the development of polymers suitable for optical 3D printing, which can be carried out at room temperature, consume less energy, and produce less waste. When exposed to ultraviolet or visible light, these polymers can be printed into complex shapes, such as medical device connectors.

“We successfully printed a Y-shaped connector—a typical medical component used to connect tubes in infusion or respiratory devices. This part requires high precision, making it an excellent test for the material we developed.,"the professor explained.

Optical 3D printing technology also allows for the production of other complex components, such as optical lenses or electronic parts, which require extremely precise dimensions and geometries. In addition, the material can be shaped into temporary structures that can later be modified or repaired—an invaluable advantage for prototyping and rapid response to industrial demands.

Another important innovation is the antibacterial properties of the polymer, which are generated by the structural fragments in its composition.

“The initial compounds used in the study are obtained from by-products of vegetable oil and biodiesel production. Certain fragments can interfere with bacteria and other microorganisms, disrupting their vital functions. This is why such materials can be used to manufacture surfaces or products that must remain clean and hygienic, for example, in medical devices, electronic products, sensors, or other items where microbial control is crucial.KTU scientists explained.

The experimental results show that the material effectively inhibits standard microorganisms and other common microorganisms.

This research is part of the project numbered S-MIP-23-52 funded by the Lithuanian Research Council, focusing on antimicrobial shape-memory photopolymers based on plant-based materials, conducted in collaboration with scientists from the National Research Institute Natural Research Centre, JSC 3D Creative, and partners from the University of Upper Alsace in France and Centria University of Applied Sciences in Finland.