Resistance of 3D - printed PVA filaments to bacterial degradation
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Date
2025-11-20
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Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski"
Abstract
This study systematically evaluates the resistance of 3D-printed PVA filaments (Bambu Lab) to bacterial biodegradation and their potential antimicrobial activity against two widespread environmental strains: Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative). Using the standardized agar diffusion method, a 15% PVA solution was tested against a positive control (gentamicin). The results showed no inhibition zones around the PVA samples for either bacterial strain, which clearly confirmed the lack of statistically significant antimicrobial activity (p > 0.05). These findings unambiguously demonstrate that under the experimental conditions, the 3D-printed PVA material not only lacks bactericidal or bacteriostatic properties but also exhibits resistance to the metabolism of the test microorganisms. From an engineering and ecological perspective, this implies that although PVA is water-soluble, its ultimate biodegradation in nature may be slow and inefficient in the absence of specialized microbial consortia. Consequently, the widespread use of PVA in 3D printing could contribute to its accumulation in soil and aquatic ecosystems. This highlights the need for a re-evaluation of its environmental compatibility and the development of improved composite formulations or end of life management strategies aimed at ensuring true biodegradability.
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Keywords
PVA filament, bacterial degradation