Advances In 3D Printing Research Articles

Gaussian random field-based characterization and reconstruction of cancellous bone microstructure considering the constraint of correlation structure

The macro scale physical properties of cancellous bone materials are governed by the microstructural features, which is of great significance for the multi-scale research of cancellous bone and the inverse design of bone-mimicking materials. Therefore, it is essential to characterize the natural cancellous bone samples, and reconstruct the microstructures with the biomimetic osteointegration and mechanical properties. In this research, a novel approach for the characterization and reconstruction of cancellous bone was proposed, based on the medical image analysis and anisotropic three-dimensional Gaussian random field (GRF). The geometric similarity, i.e. the interface curvature distribution (ISD), was meticulously studied, which is important to the osteointegration ability. And the mechanical properties were validated by the stress-strain curves under the large compressive strain simulated by the smoothed particle hydrodynamic (SPH) method. In addition, the effects of the generation parameters of GRF-based biomimetic microstructures on the apparent properties were analyzed. The ISD results demonstrated that both GRF and micro-CT groups had the similar columnar morphological properties, while the latter had more hyperbolic features. And it was found that the GRF-based biomimetic microstructures and the natural bone samples based on micro-CT (MCT) had the similar failure mode. The concordance correlation coefficient between MCT and GRF pairs was 0.8685, with a Pearson ρ value of 0.8804, and significance level p<0.0001. The Bland-Altman LoA was 0.1647 MPa with 95 % (1.96SD) lower and upper bound value between −0.2892 and 0.6185 MPa. The two groups had almost the same elastic modulus with the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 7.84 %. While the yield stress and total conversion energy of the GRF-based samples were lower than those of the natural bone samples, and the MAPE were 16.99 % and 16.27 %, respectively. Although it meant the lower structural efficiency, the huge design space of this approach and advanced 3D printing technology can provide great potential for the design of orthopedic implants.

Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles and Organoids: A Prospective Advanced Model for Pancreatic Cancer Research.

Pancreatic cancer, notorious for its grim 10% five-year survival rate, poses significant clinical challenges, largely due to late-stage diagnosis and limited therapeutic options. This review delves into the generation of organoids, including those derived from resected tissues, biopsies, pluripotent stem cells, and adult stem cells, as well as the advancements in 3D printing. It explores the complexities of the tumor microenvironment, emphasizing culture media, the integration of non-neoplastic cells, and angiogenesis. Additionally, the review examines the multifaceted properties of graphene oxide (GO), such as its mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemical, and optical attributes, and their implications in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. GO's unique properties facilitate its interaction with tumors, allowing targeted drug delivery and enhanced imaging for early detection and treatment. The integration of GO with 3D cultured organoid systems, particularly in pancreatic cancer research, is critically analyzed, highlighting current limitations and future potential. This innovative approach has the promise to transform personalized medicine, improve drug screening efficiency, and aid biomarker discovery in this aggressive disease. Through this review, we offer a balanced perspective on the advancements and future prospects in pancreatic cancer research, harnessing the potential of organoids and GO.

Biomaterials in dentistry: Advances in tissue engineering for dental restoration

Background: In regenerative medicine, advances in biomaterials have significantly impacted various medical fields, including dentistry. The use of implants, both metallic and non-metallic, has raised concerns about bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, which can lead to complications such as peri-implantitis. Innovations in drug delivery systems and additive manufacturing technologies offer new solutions to these challenges. Methods: The review explores recent developments in biomaterials for dental restoration, focusing on drug-eluting implants, additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, and biocompatible coatings. The study evaluates the effectiveness of various drug delivery systems, including hydrogels, nanoparticles, and polymers, and discusses advancements in 3D printing and surface coatings. Results: Additive manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing, have enabled the creation of precise models and drug delivery systems. Nanotechnology has introduced new materials with improved antimicrobial properties and targeted drug delivery capabilities. Innovations in coatings, such as hydroxyapatite (HA) and calcium phosphate, have enhanced osseointegration and reduced infection risks. Additionally, nanomaterials like gold and silver nanoparticles have shown promise in improving implant functionality and reducing bacterial colonization. Conclusion: Advances in biomaterials and manufacturing technologies have significantly improved the effectiveness and safety of dental implants.

Recent Advances in 3D Printing and Densification of SiC Ceramics

Recent Advances in 3D Printing and Densification of SiC Ceramics

ФОРМУВАННЯ ПЕРЕДУМОВ ІННОВАЦІЙНОГО РОЗВИТКУ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ НА ОСНОВІ ІНТЕЛЕКТУАЛЬНОГО КАПІТАЛУ

Technological innovation and open trade have radically changed global production. The transformation of raw materials into parts and components, the assembly of finished products and their delivery to the end user involve many supply chains spanning many countries around the world. Thanks to scientific and technical progress, a wide range of consumer goods has become more accessible. Global economic growth continues, helping the integration of developing countries into the global economy, creating opportunities for economic development and poverty reduction. Intellectual capital permeates the global economy, especially in the form of technology, design and branding. The degree to which the latest innovations are implemented affects the amount of money consumers pay for their products and determines which companies succeed. Decisions about cooperation and further regulation of global production and sales chains are based on the situation of various industries, business goals, history of partnership relations and forms of intellectual capital management. The use of intellectual capital accelerates the structural transformation of economic and industrial relations. The increasing influence of intellectual capital on production means that some workers lose their jobs, while others who demonstrate skills are highly rewarded. Modern technologies continue to transform production, and this will inevitably lead to further improvement of technological products and changes in the structure of production. For example, advances in 3D printing, robotics, and manufacturing automation can bring the manufacturing tasks of certain companies closer to end users. In addition, there is currently a trend of rapid growth in emerging economies and October geographic shifts in the global value chain.

Research on Optimization of 3D Printing Model Based on Deep Learning

3D printing is a process of creating three-dimensional physical objects through a series of layering techniques. It is a relatively new technology, but it has already brought a lot of innovation and change to manufacturing and other fields. This paper introduces the basic mechanism of 3D printer and summarizes several advanced 3D printing model optimization methods based on deep learning and their application scenarios. The proposed approach involves training a deep neural network on a large dataset of 3D models and their corresponding printing parameters. The trained model is then used to detect printing parameters of different 3D models, such as lattice defect detection, laser temperature detection, and fault detection. This method improves printing quality and reduces printing time and material consumption. The experimental results show that these methods are superior to traditional methods and achieve a good balance between print quality and efficiency. The proposed method has great application potential in various fields such as manufacturing, prototyping, and art design.

3D printing in biomedicine: advancing personalized care through additive manufacturing

The integration of three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques into the domains of biomedical research and personalized medicine highlights the evolving paradigm shifts within contemporary healthcare. This technological advancement signifies potential breakthroughs in patient-specific therapeutic interventions and innovations. This systematic review offers a critical assessment of the existing literature, elucidating the present status, inherent challenges, and prospective avenues of 3D printing in augmenting biomedical applications and formulating tailored medical strategies. Based on an exhaustive literature analysis comprising empirical studies, case studies, and extensive reviews from the past decade, pivotal sectors including tissue engineering, prosthetic development, drug delivery systems, and customized medical apparatuses are delineated. The advent of 3D printing provides precision in the fabrication of patient-centric implants, bio-structures, and devices, thereby mitigating associated risks. Concurrently, it facilitates the ideation of individualized drug delivery paradigms to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Notwithstanding these advancements, issues concerning material biocompatibility, regulatory compliance, and the economic implications of avant-garde printing techniques persist. To fully harness the transformative potential of 3D printing in healthcare, collaborative endeavors amongst academicians, clinicians, industrial entities, and regulatory bodies are paramount. With continued research and innovation, 3D printing is poised to redefine the trajectories of biomedical science and patient-centric care. The paper aims to justify the research objective of whether to what extent the integration of 3D printing technology in biomedicine enhances patient-specific treatment and contributes to improved healthcare outcomes.

Hydrogel Microparticles for Bone Regeneration.

Hydrogel microparticles (HMPs) stand out as promising entities in the realm of bone tissue regeneration, primarily due to their versatile capabilities in delivering cells and bioactive molecules/drugs. Their significance is underscored by distinct attributes such as injectability, biodegradability, high porosity, and mechanical tunability. These characteristics play a pivotal role in fostering vasculature formation, facilitating mineral deposition, and contributing to the overall regeneration of bone tissue. Fabricated through diverse techniques (batch emulsion, microfluidics, lithography, and electrohydrodynamic spraying), HMPs exhibit multifunctionality, serving as vehicles for drug and cell delivery, providing structural scaffolding, and functioning as bioinks for advanced 3D-printing applications. Distinguishing themselves from other scaffolds like bulk hydrogels, cryogels, foams, meshes, and fibers, HMPs provide a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio, promoting improved interactions with the surrounding tissues and facilitating the efficient delivery of cells and bioactive molecules. Notably, their minimally invasive injectability and modular properties, offering various designs and configurations, contribute to their attractiveness for biomedical applications. This comprehensive review aims to delve into the progressive advancements in HMPs, specifically for bone regeneration. The exploration encompasses synthesis and functionalization techniques, providing an understanding of their diverse applications, as documented in the existing literature. The overarching goal is to shed light on the advantages and potential of HMPs within the field of engineering bone tissue.

Surgical Innovations in Tracheal Reconstruction: A Review on Synthetic Material Fabrication.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this review is to explore the recent surgical innovations in tracheal reconstruction by evaluating the uses of synthetic material fabrication when dealing with tracheomalacia or stenotic pathologies, then discussing the challenges holding back these innovations. Materials and Methods: A targeted non-systematic review of published literature relating to tracheal reconstruction was performed within the PubMed database to help identify how synthetic materials are utilised to innovate tracheal reconstruction. Results: The advancements in 3D printing to aid synthetic material fabrication have unveiled promising alternatives to conventional approaches. Achieving successful tracheal reconstruction through this technology demands that the 3D models exhibit biocompatibility with neighbouring tracheal elements by encompassing vasculature, chondral foundation, and immunocompatibility. Tracheal reconstruction has employed grafts and scaffolds, showing a promising beginning in vivo. Concurrently, the integration of resorbable models and stem cell therapy serves to underscore their viability and application in the context of tracheal pathologies. Despite this, certain barriers hinder its advancement in surgery. The intricate tracheal structure has posed a challenge for researchers seeking novel approaches to support its growth and regeneration. Conclusions: The potential of synthetic material fabrication has shown promising outcomes in initial studies involving smaller animals. Yet, to fully realise the applicability of these innovative developments, research must progress toward clinical trials. These trials would ascertain the anatomical and physiological effects on the human body, enabling a thorough evaluation of post-operative outcomes and any potential complications linked to the materials or cells implanted in the trachea.

ტექნოლოგიების გავლენა ჯანდაცვის სერვისების განვითარებაზე

Telemedicine gained a special impetus after the wide spread of information technology (IT). The use of information technology offers the healthcare industry a huge potential to solve its most important problem. The importance of using Industry 4.0 technologies in medicine is highlighted, which contributes to the introduction of digitalization elements in healthcare and medical services. The application areas and advantages of 3D printing, medical robots, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence are given. Phases of telemedicine development from the middle of the 19th century to modern times are given. Systematic use of Industry 4.0 tools will contribute to the correct clinical decisions, give the patient and the clinic adequate access to health records, improve the accuracy and reliability of these records, and contribute to the collection, systematization and analysis of quality service data. In this case, the joint use of such technologies as artificial intelligence, gene editing, advanced robotics, which have actually removed the previously existing boundaries between the physical, digital and biological worlds, is of crucial importance.

Unlocking the print of poly(L-lactic acid) by melt electrowriting for medical application

Melt electrowriting (MEW) is an advanced 3D printing technology to process high-resolution scaffolds. Although MEW has printed many biodegradable polymers, most of them have low printability, including poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) discussed in this study. While the print of PLLA scaffolds by MEW is elementarily realized, the scaffolds' limited structural change and mechanical properties influence their application. This study aims at improving the printability and the mechanical properties of the PLLA. To this end, the printability of the PLLA regarding jet lag angle and critical translation speed is investigated; the print limitation of PLLA is discovered, and the uniaxial and cyclic tensile tests for the scaffolds in linear and nonlinear structures are carried out. The results suggest that drying the PLLA before printing can significantly restrain polymer degradation to extend the printing period to approximately one day; planar PLLA scaffolds are able to reach 25 layers, 100 µm interfiber distance, and 8 × 8 cm2 in dimension, and tubular PLLA scaffolds with 6 layers are successfully printed out; the mechanical properties of the PLLA scaffold reach the level of electrospun nonwoven fabrics. Thus, this study is a milestone work for the MEW technology to extend the printable materials.

Advances in 3D Printing of Highly Bioadaptive Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffolds.

The number of patients with bone defects caused by trauma, bone tumors, and osteoporosis has increased considerably. The repair of irregular, recurring, and large bone defects poses a great challenge to clinicians. Bone tissue engineering is emerging as an appropriate strategy to replace autologous bone grafting in the repair of critically sized bone defects. However, the suitability of bone tissue engineering scaffolds in terms of structure, mechanics, degradation, and the microenvironment is inadequate. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an advanced additive-manufacturing technology widely used for bone repair. 3D printing constructs personalized structurally adapted scaffolds based on 3D models reconstructed from CT images. The contradiction between the mechanics and degradation is resolved by altering the stacking structure. The local microenvironment of the implant is improved by designing an internal pore structure and a spatiotemporal factor release system. Therefore, there has been a boom in the 3D printing of personalized bone repair scaffolds. In this review, successful research on the preparation of highly bioadaptive bone tissue engineering scaffolds using 3D printing is presented. The mechanisms of structural, mechanical, degradation, and microenvironmental adaptations of bone prostheses and their interactions were elucidated to provide a feasible strategy for constructing highly bioadaptive bone tissue engineering scaffolds.

Advanced Nanomaterials in Medical 3D Printing.

3D printing is now recognized as a significant tool for medical research and clinical practice, leading to the emergence of medical 3D printing technology. It is essential to improve the properties of 3D-printed products to meet the demand for medical use. The core of generating qualified 3D printing products is to develop advanced materials and processes. Taking advantage of nanomaterials with tunable and distinct physical, chemical, and biological properties, integrating nanotechnology into 3D printing creates new opportunities for advancing medical 3D printing field. Recently, some attempts are made to improve medical 3D printing through nanotechnology, providing new insights into developing advanced medical 3D printing technology. With high-resolution 3D printing technology, nano-structures can be directly fabricated for medical applications. Incorporating nanomaterials into the 3D printing material system can improve the properties of the 3D-printed medical products. At the same time, nanomaterials can be used to expand novel medical 3D printing technologies. This review introduced the strategies and progresses of improving medical 3D printing through nanotechnology and discussed challenges in clinical translation.

Enhancing flexibility and strength-to-weight ratio of polymeric stents: A new variable-thickness design approach

This paper presents a new design strategy to improve the flexibility and strength-to-weight ratio of polymeric stents. The proposed design introduces a variable-thickness (VT) stent that outperforms conventional polymeric stents with constant thickness (CT). While polymeric stents offer benefits like flexibility and bioabsorption, their mechanical strength is lower compared to metal stents. To address this limitation, thicker polymer stents are used, compromising flexibility and clinical performance. Leveraging advancements in 3D printing, a new design approach is introduced in this study and is manufactured by the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 3D printing method and PLA resin. The mechanical performance of CT and VT stents is compared using the Finite Element Method (FEM), validated by experimental tests. Results demonstrate that the VT stent offers significant improvements compared to a CT stent in bending stiffness (over 20%), reduced plastic strain distribution of expansion (over 26%), and increased radial strength (over 10%). This research showcases the potential of the VT stent design to enhance clinical outcomes and patient care.

Recent Advances in 3D Printing of Polymers for Application in Prosthodontics.

Contemporary mass media frequently depict 3D printing as a technology with widespread utilization in the creation of dental prosthetics. This paper endeavors to provide an evidence-based assessment of the current scope of 3D printing's integration within dental laboratories and practices. Its primary objective is to offer a systematic evaluation of the existing applications of 3D-printing technology within the realm of dental prosthetic restorations. Furthermore, this article delves into potential prospects, while also critically examining the sustained relevance of conventional dental laboratory services and manufacturing procedures. The central focus of this article is to expound upon the extent to which 3D printing is presently harnessed for crafting dental prosthetic appliances. By presenting verifiable data and factual insights, this article aspires to elucidate the actual implementation of 3D printing in prosthetic dentistry and its seamless integration into dental practices. The aim of this narrative review is twofold: firstly, to provide an informed and unbiased evaluation of the role that 3D printing currently plays within dental laboratories and practices; and secondly, to instigate contemplation on the transformative potential of this technology, both in terms of its contemporary impact and its future implications, while maintaining a balanced consideration of traditional dental approaches.

Enhancing bone tissue engineering with 3D-Printed polycaprolactone scaffolds integrated with tragacanth gum/bioactive glass

Tissue-engineered bone substitutes, characterized by favorable physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties, present a promising alternative for addressing bone defects. In this study, we employed an innovative 3D host-guest scaffold model, where the host component served as a mechanical support, while the guest component facilitated osteogenic effects. More specifically, we fabricated a triangular porous polycaprolactone framework (host) using advanced 3D printing techniques, and subsequently filled the framework's pores with tragacanth gum-45S5 bioactive glass as the guest component. Comprehensive assessments were conducted to evaluate the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of the designed scaffolds. Remarkably, successful integration of the guest component within the framework was achieved, resulting in enhanced bioactivity and increased strength. Our findings demonstrated that the scaffolds exhibited ion release (Si, Ca, and P), surface apatite formation, and biodegradation. Additionally, in vitro cell culture assays revealed that the scaffolds demonstrated significant improvements in cell viability, proliferation, and attachment. Significantly, the multi-compartment scaffolds exhibited remarkable osteogenic properties, indicated by a substantial increase in the expression of osteopontin, osteocalcin, and matrix deposition. Based on our results, the framework provided robust mechanical support during the new bone formation process, while the guest component matrix created a conducive micro-environment for cellular adhesion, osteogenic functionality, and matrix production. These multi-compartment scaffolds hold great potential as a viable alternative to autografts and offer promising clinical applications for bone defect repair in the future.

Advanced 3D Printing Strategies for the Controlled Delivery of Growth Factors.

The controlled delivery of growth factors (GFs) from tissue engineered constructs represents a promising strategy to improve tissue repair and regeneration. However, despite their established key role in tissue regeneration, the use of GFs is limited by their short half-life in the in vivo environment, their dose-dependent effectiveness, and their space- and time-dependent activity. Promising results have been obtained both in vitro and in vivo in animal models. Nevertheless, the clinical application of tissue engineered constructs releasing GFs is still challenging due to the several limitations and risks associated with their use. 3D printing and bioprinting, by allowing the microprecise spatial deposition of multiple materials and the fabrication of complex geometries with high resolution, offer advanced strategies for an optimal release of GFs from tissue engineered constructs. This review summarizes the strategies that have been employed to include GFs and their delivery system into biomaterials used for 3D printing applications to optimize their controlled release and to improve both the in vitro and in vivo regeneration processes. The approaches adopted to overcome the above-mentioned limitations are presented, showing the potential of the technology of 3D printing to get one step closer to clinical applications.

Elegance in Pixels: Current Trends in Computer-aided Ornament Design

Current trends in the field of computer-aided design of ornaments are considered, as well as trends in changes in the perception of ornaments and the creation of decorative elements. It is noted that one of the trends is the fusion of traditions and innovations. Creative rethinking of age-old traditions in ornamentation is taking place today based on the use of modern computer technologies. The development of the field of parametric design, the use of algorithms and mathematical equations to create complex, intricate patterns and structures leads to the emergence of qualitatively new patterns that cannot be repeated by hand. The advent of 3D printing and additive manufacturing has revolutionized the creation of jewelry, and it has become possible to physically implement digital designs. Rapidly developing neural networks like Midjourney, Playground AI, DiffusionBee, DALL-E 2, Fy! Studio, etc. allow you to generate objects and use them as innovative sources of creative inspiration. The article provides examples of idea generation proposed by the authors in several neural networks. The world of ornamental design is experiencing a digital renaissance driven by the integration of technology and creativity. Through the fusion of tradition and innovation, parametric design, 3D printing, generative design and a commitment to sustainability, computer-aided ornament design is blossoming like never before. Thus, computer-aided design of patterns has turned fashion into a dynamic and innovative field where tradition meets technology. There are new opportunities for designer creativity, sustainability, and personalization of fashion. As digital age technology evolves, we can expect to continue to shape new ways of making clothes and expressing our-selves creatively.

Enhancing stiffness and damping characteristics in nacreous composites through functionally graded tablet design

Nacreous composites offer significant potential for applications in structural damping materials, which require simultaneous high stiffness and damping properties. In this study, we propose that the incorporation of functionally graded tablets into nacreous composites can further enhance both stiffness and damping energy dissipation concurrently. Analytical formulae for the loss modulus, storage modulus, and loss factor, validated through a series of finite element analyses, were derived to investigate the effects of variations in tablet modulus, structural geometry, and constituent properties. Our analyses demonstrate that designing a parabolic modulus distribution in the tablets can yield optimal strengthening and damping results. Furthermore, the characteristic modulus variation degree, overlap length, and frequency emerged from the systematic optimization of loss and storage moduli. Additionally, numerical experiments and model predictions demonstrate that the loss modulus of functionally graded nacreous composites surpasses the predetermined design limit and is five times greater than that of existing homogeneous nacreous composites. Combining the developed theoretical model presented here with advanced 3D printing techniques would offer effective guidelines for designing and fabricating high-performance bio-inspired structural damping composites.

Experimental study of 3D printed carbon fibre sandwich structures for lightweight applications

Honeycomb sandwich structures are widely used in lightweight applications. Usually, these structures are subjected to extreme loading conditions, leading to potential failures due to delamination and debonding between the face sheet and the honeycomb core. Therefore, the present study is focused on the mechanical characterisation of honeycomb sandwich structures fabricated using advanced 3D printing technology. The continuous carbon fibres and ONYX-FR matrix materials have been used as raw materials for 3D printing of the specimens needed for various mechanical characterization testing; ONYX-FR is a commercial trade name for flame retardant short carbon fibre filled nylon filaments, used as a reinforcing material in Morkforged 3D printer. Edgewise and flatwise compression tests have been conducted for different configurations of honeycomb sandwich structures, fabricated by varying the face sheet thickness and core cell size, while keeping the core cell thickness and core height constant. Based on these tests, the proposed structure with face sheet thickness of 3.2 mm and a core cell size of 12.7 mm exhibited the highest energy absorption and prevented delamination and debonding failures. Therefore, 3D printing technology can also be considered as an alternative method for sandwich structure fabrication. However, detailed parametric studies still need to be conducted to meet various other structural integrity criteria related to the lightweight applications.