Abstract
3D Printing promises to produce complex biomedical devices according to computer design using patient-specific anatomical data. Since its initial use as pre-surgical visualization models and tooling molds, 3D Printing has slowly evolved to create one-of-a-kind devices, implants, scaffolds for tissue engineering, diagnostic platforms, and drug delivery systems. Fueled by the recent explosion in public interest and access to affordable printers, there is renewed interest to combine stem cells with custom 3D scaffolds for personalized regenerative medicine. Before 3D Printing can be used routinely for the regeneration of complex tissues (e.g. bone, cartilage, muscles, vessels, nerves in the craniomaxillofacial complex), and complex organs with intricate 3D microarchitecture (e.g. liver, lymphoid organs), several technological limitations must be addressed. In this review, the major materials and technology advances within the last five years for each of the common 3D Printing technologies (Three Dimensional Printing, Fused Deposition Modeling, Selective Laser Sintering, Stereolithography, and 3D Plotting/Direct-Write/Bioprinting) are described. Examples are highlighted to illustrate progress of each technology in tissue engineering, and key limitations are identified to motivate future research and advance this fascinating field of advanced manufacturing.
Highlights
The ability to design and fabricate complex, 3D biomedical devices is critical in tissue engineering
This review focuses on advanced 3D Printing technologies that are being used to fabricate tissue engineering scaffolds, with emphasis on their ability of these manufacturing technologies to pattern cells and multiple materials along complex 3D gradients
Since organic solvents can dissolve most commercially available drop-on-demand printhead components, Figure 2 PLGA scaffold with villi-shaped pillars created from indirect 3D Printing
Summary
The ability to design and fabricate complex, 3D biomedical devices is critical in tissue engineering. The selection of the fabrication technique depends upon the materials of interest, machine limitations, and the specific requirements of the final scaffold. This review focuses on advanced 3D Printing technologies that are being used to fabricate tissue engineering scaffolds, with emphasis on their ability of these manufacturing technologies to pattern cells and multiple materials along complex 3D gradients.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
