3D Printing of Functionally Graded Films by Controlling Process Parameters

Scaffolds are often used in bioengineering to replace damaged tissues. They promote cell ingrowth and provide mechanical support until cells regenerate. Such scaffolds are often made using the additive manufacturing process, given its ability to create complex shapes, affordability, and the potential for patient-specific solutions. The success of the implant is closely related to the match of the scaffold mechanical properties to those of the host tissue. Many biological tissues show properties that vary in space. Therefore, the aim is to manufacture materials with variable properties, commonly referred to as functionally graded materials. Here we present a novel technique used to manufacture porous films with functionally graded properties using 3D printers. Such an approach exploits the control of a process parameter, without any hardware modification. The mechanical properties of the manufactured films have been experimentally tested and analytically characterized.