Material extrusion of plant biopolymers: Opportunities & challenges for 3D printing

In both cases, an edible plant protein (zein from maize) is considered as an example. It is used to illustrate the formulation challenges for ME processability, focusing on the role of plasticizers. Finally, a reverse engineering approach is presented that combines algorithms for generating structures and deterministic finite element modeling. This enables the design of ME printable parts with a targeted structure and final properties such as controlled release during mastication for biomedical applications.