Ilaria CACCIOTTI

Abstract

Additive manufacturing approach in the biomedical sector: 

current state and future perspectives 

Engineering Department, University of Rome “Niccolò Cusano”, via Don Carlo Gnocchi 3 00166 Rome, Italy 

e-mail: ilaria.cacciotti@unicusano.it 

In the biomedical sector 3D printing technologies are gaining significant attention in the biomedical field, particularly in dentistry, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and craniomaxillofacial surgery [1]. Indeed, they offer several advantages over traditional production methods, including reduced operation times, less blood loss, decreased risk of infection and inflammation, lower morbidity from surgical procedures, improved aesthetic outcomes, and better custom implant/defect contours correspondence [2]. Notably, additive manufacturing enables the creation of complex medical devices customised for individual patients, using various materials ranging from metals like titanium to polymers [3]. Five key biomedical applications have emerged: medical models for pre-surgical training [4], surgical implants, surgical guides, external aids, and bio-manufacturing [5]. 

Two major challenges for the development of the additive manufacturing processes next generation include enhancing speed and resolution while reducing energy consumption and developing new 3D printing materials with customizable mechanical, chemical, and physical properties. Moreover, ongoing efforts are focused on reducing overall expenses by lowering the prices of both 3D printing hardware and materials. 

However, despite promising results from numerous in vitro and in vivo studies, a significant gap between 3D printing research in the biomedical sector and its clinical implementation remains [6], largely due to complex regulatory factors and the recent EU regulations on medical devices and in vitro diagnostics. 

Acknowledgements 

The Author acknowledges the project PRIN 2022, titled “Advanced Printed Implants for Cranial Reconstruction by Additive Manufacturing” (APICRAM), financed by MUR. 

References: 

[1] Murtezani I, Sharma N, Thieringer FM; Medical 3D Printing with a focus on Point-of-Care in Cranio-and Maxillofacial Surgery. A systematic review of literature; Annals of 3D Printed Medicine; 100059 (2022). 

[2] Al-Moraissi EA, El-Sharkawy TM, Mounair RM, El-Ghareeb TI; A systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical outcomes for various surgical modalities in the management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis; International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery; 44 (2015) 470-482. 

[3] Shah AM, Jung H, Skirboll S; Materials used in cranioplasty: a history and analysis. Neurosurgical focus; 36 (2014) E19. 

[4] Saceleanu V, Paz R, García J, Rivero Y, Cîndea CN, Cacciotti I, Monzón M; Production of Synthetic Models for Neuro-Oncology Training by Additive Manufacturing; Applied Sciences; 11 (2021) 11823. 

[5] Tuomi J, Paloheimo KS, Vehviläinen J, Björkstrand R, Salmi M, Huotilainen E, ... & Mäkitie A; A novel classification and online platform for planning and documentation of medical applications of additive manufacturing; Surgical innovation; 21 (2014) 553-559. 

[6] Di Piazza E, Pandolfi E, Cacciotti I, Del Fattore A, Tozzi AE, Secinaro A, Borro L; Bioprinting technology in skin, heart, pancreas and cartilage tissues: Progress and challenges in clinical practice; International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health; 18(2021) 10806.