The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with a high risk of recurrence due to incomplete surgical excision and damage to surrounding healthy tissue. To overcome these limitations, there is an increasing need for multifunctional hydrogels capable of integrating tumor ablation and tissue regeneration. In this study, a patient-specific hydrogel incorporating inorganic nanoparticles and a photosensitizer was fabricated using a DLP-based printing approach adaptable to patient-specific defect. The nanoparticles improved the mechanical stability and physicochemical robustness of the hydrogel and facilitated the incorporation of the photosensitizer through non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, supporting phototherapeutic functionality without compromising printability. These results demonstrate that the printed composite hydrogels represent a multifunctional and customizable platform for melanoma treatment and skin tissue regeneration.