3D Printing in Biomedical Systems Advancements in Manufacturing and Clinical Applications

Vincent Wilson^*
*Correspondence: Vincent Wilson, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University College of Engineering, Texas, USA, Email:

Introduction

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has emerged as a promising technology in the field of biomedical systems. This paper provides an overview of the recent advancements in 3D printing for biomedical applications, including manufacturing techniques, materials, and clinical applications. Various 3D printing techniques, such as stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and inkjet printing, are discussed in detail, highlighting their strengths and limitations. The importance of material selection in biomedical 3D printing is emphasized, with a focus on biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and degradation rates of different materials. Moreover, the clinical applications of 3D printing in biomedical systems, including tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, surgical tools, prosthetics, and implants, are explored. Examples of successful 3D printed biomedical devices and components are presented, showcasing the potential of this technology in improving patient care and outcomes. The challenges and future directions of 3D printing in biomedical systems are also discussed, including regulatory considerations, scalability, and standardization. Overall, the advancements in 3D printing techniques and materials have opened up new possibilities in the field of biomedical systems, with the potential to revolutionize the way biomedical devices and components are manufactured and used in clinical practice.

Description

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a rapidly growing technology that has revolutionized various industries, including healthcare. In recent years, 3D printing has gained significant attention in the field of biomedicine due to its potential to create complex, patient-specific structures and devices that can be used for a wide range of applications, from surgical planning and implant manufacturing to drug delivery systems and tissue engineering. This paper aims to review the advancements in 3D printing technology as applied to biomedical systems, with a focus on manufacturing processes and clinical applications. The paper will also discuss the challenges and future prospects of 3D printing in the biomedical field.

Advancements in 3D printing technology

3D printing technology has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, with significant advancements in manufacturing processes, materials, and software. There are several different 3D printing techniques currently used in biomedical applications, including stereolithography (SLA), fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), and inkjet-based bioprinting, among others. Each technique has its own advantages and limitations, and the choice of technique depends on the specific application and desired outcomes.

SLA is a widely used 3D printing technique that involves using a laser to selectively cure a liquid resin, layer by layer, to create a solid object. SLA offers high resolution and excellent surface finish, making it suitable for producing complex geometries with fine details. SLA has been used in biomedical applications for manufacturing surgical guides, dental implants, and anatomical models for surgical planning [1]. FDM, on the other hand, uses a heated nozzle to extrude a thermoplastic material, layer by layer, to create a 3D object. FDM is known for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ability to use a wide range of materials, including biocompatible polymers, making it suitable for producing implants and prosthetics [2].

SLS is a powder-based 3D printing technique that uses a laser to selectively sinter a powdered material, such as metal or polymer, to create a solid object. SLS offers high accuracy, mechanical strength, and the ability to produce complex geometries, making it suitable for manufacturing implants, prosthetics, and orthopedic devices [3]. Inkjet-based bioprinting, on the other hand, involves using a printer-like system to deposit biological materials, such as cells or bioinks, layer by layer, to create functional tissues or organs. Bioprinting has shown great promise in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, with the potential to create custom-made implants and organs for transplantation [4].

In addition to advancements in manufacturing processes, materials play a crucial role in the success of 3D printing in biomedical systems. Biocompatible materials that can mimic the properties of human tissues, such as mechanical strength, flexibility, and biodegradability, are required for successful clinical applications. Over the years, there have been significant advancements in the development of biocompatible materials for 3D printing, including biodegradable polymers, ceramics, metals, and hydrogels [5]. These materials offer a wide range of properties and can be tailored to specific applications, such as bone implants, dental restorations, and drug delivery systems.

Stereolithography (SLA)

Stereolithography (SLA) is one of the earliest 3D printing techniques, which uses a laser to cure a liquid resin into a solid object layer by layer. SLA offers high resolution and accuracy, making it suitable for producing complex and intricate structures. It has been widely used in the fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds, dental models, and surgical guides. For example, researchers have successfully used SLA to fabricate patient-specific scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, which exhibited excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a technique that uses a laser to selectively fuse powdered materials together to create a 3D object. SLS offers the advantage of using a wide range of materials, including polymers, metals, and ceramics, making it versatile for biomedical applications. SLS has been used to fabricate implants, drug delivery systems, and surgical instruments [6]. For instance, SLS has been used to manufacture customized implants for patients with complex craniofacial defects, resulting in improved clinical outcomes.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a commonly used 3D printing technique that uses a heated nozzle to extrude molten material layer by layer to create a solid object. FDM is relatively simple, affordable, and widely accessible, making it popular in biomedical research and clinical applications. FDM has been used to fabricate prosthetics, orthotics, and drug delivery systems. For example, FDM has been used to develop prosthetic limbs with customized designs and improved functionalities for amputees [6,7].

Conclusion

Inkjet printing

Inkjet printing is a 3D printing technique that uses droplets of liquid materials to build up a 3D structure. Inkjet printing offers high precision, resolution, and the ability to deposit multiple materials simultaneously, making it suitable for fabricating complex structures with multiple functionalities. Inkjet printing has been used in tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, and diagnostic devices. For instance, researchers have used inkjet printing to create multicellular tissue constructs with controlled cellular patterns for tissue regeneration.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest by author.

References

1. Melchels, Ferry PW, Marco AN Domingos, Travis J. Klein, and Jos Malda, et al. "Additive manufacturing of tissues and organs." Prog Polym Sci 37 (2012): 1079-1104.

Google Scholar, Crossref

2. Ventola, C. Lee. "Medical applications for 3D printing: current and projected uses." Pharm Ther 39 (2014): 704.

Google Scholar, Indexed at

3. Mazzoli, Alida. "Selective laser sintering in biomedical engineering." Med Biol Eng Comput 51 (2013): 245-256.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Guvendiren, Murat, Joseph Molde, Rosane MD Soares, and Joachim Kohn. "Designing biomaterials for 3D printing." ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2 (2016): 1679-1693.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Kumar, Pankaj, Dipen Kumar Rajak, Muazu Abubakar, and Syed Gazanfar Mustafa Ali, et al. "3D printing technology for biomedical practice: a review." J Mater Eng Perform 30 (2021): 5342-5355.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

6. Derby, Brian. "Inkjet printing of functional and structural materials: fluid property requirements, feature stability, and resolution." Annu Rev Mater Res 40 (2010): 395-414.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

7. Hinton, Thomas J., Quentin Jallerat, Rachelle N. Palchesko, and Joon Hyung Park, et al. "Three-dimensional printing of complex biological structures by freeform reversible embedding of suspended hydrogels." Sci Adv 1 (2015): e1500758.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at