Introduction: Septal perforations are among the most common craniofacial defects. The causes of septal perforations are varied. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to develop a septal cartilage implant biomaterial for use in the reconstruction of nasal septal perforations and prepare personalized implants for each patient individually using 3D printing technology. Methods: Fragments of septal nasal cartilage from 16 patients undergoing surgery for a deviated nasal septum were analyzed to establish microfeatures in individual samples. A scanning electron microscope was used to estimate the microstructure of the removed septal cartilage. 3D models of porous scaffolds were prepared, and a biomaterial was fabricated in the shape of the collected tissue using a 3D printer. Results: Of the various materials used in the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology of 3D printing, PLLA was indicated as the most useful to achieve the expected implant features. The implant was designed using the indicated pre-designed shape of the scaffold, and appropriate topography, geometry and pore size were included in the design. Conclusions: The implant’s structure allows the use of this device as a framework to carry nanoparticles (antibiotics or bacteriophages). It is possible to create a porous scaffold with an appropriately matched shape and a pre-designed geometry and pore size to close nasal septal perforations even in cases of large septal cartilage defects.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.