3D Printing for the Clinic: Examining Contemporary Polymeric Biomaterials and Their Clinical Utility

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Additive manufacturing (AM) offers revolutionary potential for patient-specific implants in clinical medicine.
• Despite AM's potential, the clinical application of polymers in additive processes remains limited.
• Significant advancements are needed in 3D printable polymeric materials for novel implant development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the state-of-the-art in 3D printable polymeric materials for clinical applications.
• To highlight recent advances in implantable polymeric medical devices and tissue scaffolds.
• To provide insight into the future advancement of AM and biomaterials in medicine.

Main Methods:

• Focus on recent advances in implantable polymeric medical devices and tissue scaffolds.
• Introduction to major 3D printing techniques.
• Discussion of current advancements in biomaterials relevant to additive manufacturing.

Main Results:

• The review synthesizes current progress in 3D printable polymers for medical applications.
• Identifies key 3D printing techniques applicable to polymer-based medical devices.
• Summarizes advancements in biomaterials suitable for additive manufacturing of implants and scaffolds.

Conclusions:

• The convergence of AM and advanced biomaterials is crucial for developing next-generation polymeric medical devices.
• Continued research in 3D printable polymers will drive innovation in patient-specific implants and tissue engineering.
• Bridging the gap between material science and clinical needs is essential for realizing the full potential of AM in medicine.