A Review on Development of Bio-Inspired Implants Using 3D Printing

Abstract

Biomimetics is an emerging field of science that adapts the working principles from nature to fine-tune the engineering design aspects to mimic biological structure and functions. The application mainly focuses on the development of medical implants for hard and soft tissue replacements. Additive manufacturing or 3D printing is an established processing norm with a superior resolution and control over process parameters than conventional methods and has allowed the incessant amalgamation of biomimetics into material manufacturing, thereby improving the adaptation of biomaterials and implants into the human body. The conventional manufacturing practices had design restrictions that prevented mimicking the natural architecture of human tissues into material manufacturing. However, with additive manufacturing, the material construction happens layer-by-layer over multiple axes simultaneously, thus enabling finer control over material placement, thereby overcoming the design challenge that prevented developing complex human architectures. This review substantiates the dexterity of additive manufacturing in utilizing biomimetics to 3D print ceramic, polymer, and metal implants with excellent resemblance to natural tissue. It also cites some clinical references of experimental and commercial approaches employing biomimetic 3D printing of implants.

The sternum reconstruction: Present and future perspectives

“…In particular, the versatility of materials has been considered a point of interest, and for this reason, the introduction of 3D-printed sternum prostheses has introduced a new paradigm of “chest wall reconstruction” ( 67 , 68 ). A baseline high-resolution computed tomography scan is used to define a 3D model of the thorax and tumor mass using specific software ( 69 ). Through the use of powdered titanium and electron-beam melting technology, each layer is constructed and modeled as a personalized sternum to ensure optimal anchorage to the ribs and to ensure clean margins after surgical resection ( 59 ).…”

A review on fabrication of 3D printed biomaterials using optical methodologies for tissue engineering applications

“…It also permits avoiding stress-shielding and implant failure as the mechanical properties of the implant that can be carefully controlled. 47 Optical 3D bioprinting methodologies Among various bioprinting methodologies, optical projection printing and laser-based 3D printing approaches have been widely implemented to overcome the limitations of the techniques that are time-consuming for mass production, which may also require skilled users for the operation. A review on two bioprinting approaches, projection printing and laser-based systems have been presented stating their advantages and drawbacks.…”

“…It also permits avoiding stress-shielding and implant failure as the mechanical properties of the implant that can be carefully controlled. 47…”

Safety and efficacy of a novel three-dimensional printed microporous titanium prosthesis for total wrist arthroplasty in the treatment of end-stage wrist arthritis

“…Additive manufacturing, often known as three-dimensional (3D) printing or prototyping, can convert 3D digital models into functioning components regardless of their geometry Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology frontiersin.org (Raheem et al, 2021). Selective laser melting metal 3D printing technology is able to construct complex free-form surfaces, print parts with proper toughness and elastic modulus, and even surface coating layer (Yang et al, 2021).…”