Polymer 3D Bioprinting for Bionics and Tissue Engineering Applications

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a process that allows for the rapid prototyping of complex structures by depositing layer-by-layer materials using computer-aided design, which is an accelerating innovation in a variety of fields such as automobiles, medicine, manufacturing, aerospace, art, education, marine, robotics, and so on. Metals, polymers, ceramics, glass, and composites are used in 3D bioprinting. Compared with other materials, polymers have benefits such as cheap cost, flexibility, and tailorable properties that may be engineered prior to polymer production. This study endorses an insight into the 3D bioprinting of polymers for biomedical applications such as bionics and tissue engineering. A concise outline of several 3D bioprinting processes for polymers has been presented, as well as a compendium of notable polymers and their 3D bioprinting features. Because polymer-based 3D-printed components are weaker than metal, ceramic, and glass parts, the mechanical qualities of 3D-bioprinted polymeric products may be enhanced by reinforcing materials such as fibers, particles, or even nanoparticles. Various polymer reinforcements such as fibers, particles, and nanoparticles for 3D-bioprinted components are addressed, and subsequently, the application of these polymers in biomedical applications is explored, culminating with a future perspective. Tissues, bones, tracheal splints, heart tissues, and cartilaginous tissues have all been identified as possible 3D bioprinting milestones.