Bioprinting in ophthalmology: current advances and future pathways

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 496-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nataraj Poomathi ◽  
Sunpreet Singh ◽  
Chander Prakash ◽  
Rajkumar V. Patil ◽  
P.T. Perumal ◽  
...  

Purpose Bioprinting is a promising technology, which has gained a recent attention, for application in all aspects of human life and has specific advantages in different areas of medicines, especially in ophthalmology. The three-dimensional (3D) printing tools have been widely used in different applications, from surgical planning procedures to 3D models for certain highly delicate organs (such as: eye and heart). The purpose of this paper is to review the dedicated research efforts that so far have been made to highlight applications of 3D printing in the field of ophthalmology. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the state-of-the-art review has been summarized for bioprinters, biomaterials and methodologies adopted to cure eye diseases. This paper starts with fundamental discussions and gradually leads toward the summary and future trends by covering almost all the research insights. For better understanding of the readers, various tables and figures have also been incorporated. Findings The usages of bioprinted surgical models have shown to be helpful in shortening the time of operation and decreasing the risk of donor, and hence, it could boost certain surgical effects. This demonstrates the wide use of bioprinting to design more precise biological research models for research in broader range of applications such as in generating blood vessels and cardiac tissue. Although bioprinting has not created a significant impact in ophthalmology, in recent times, these technologies could be helpful in treating several ocular disorders in the near future. Originality/value This review work emphasizes the understanding of 3D printing technologies, in the light of which these can be applied in ophthalmology to achieve successful treatment of eye diseases.

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 636-644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaususi Kanada

Purpose A methodology for designing and printing three-dimensional (3D) objects with specified printing-direction using fused deposition modeling (FDM), which was proposed by a previous paper, enables the expression of natural directions, such as hair, fabric or other directed textures, in modeled objects. This paper aims to enhance this methodology for creating various shapes of generative visual objects with several specialized attributes. Design/methodology/approach The proposed enhancement consists of two new methods and a new technique. The first is a method for “deformation”. It enables deforming simple 3D models to create varieties of shapes much more easily in generative design processes. The second is the spiral/helical printing method. The print direction (filament direction) of each part of a printed object is made consistent by this method, and it also enables seamless printing results and enables low-angle overhang. The third, i.e. the light-reflection control technique, controls the properties of filament while printing with transparent polylactic acid. It enables the printed objects to reflect light brilliantly. Findings The proposed methods and technique were implemented in a Python library and evaluated by printing various shapes, and it is confirmed that they work well, and objects with attractive attributes, such as the brilliance, can be created. Research limitations/implications The methods and technique proposed in this paper are not well-suited to industrial prototyping or manufacturing that require strength or intensity. Practical implications The techniques proposed in this paper are suited for generatively producing various a small number of products with artistic or visual properties. Originality/value This paper proposes a completely different methodology for 3D printing than the conventional computer-aided design (CAD)-based methodology and enables products that cannot be created by conventional methods.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sapam Ningthemba Singh ◽  
Vavilada Satya Swamy Venkatesh ◽  
Ashish Bhalchandra Deoghare

Purpose During the COVID-19 pandemic, the three-dimensional (3D) printing community is actively participating to address the supply chain gap of essential medical supplies such as face masks, face shields, door adapters, test swabs and ventilator valves. This paper aims to present a comprehensive study on the role of 3D printing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, its safety and its challenges. Design/methodology/approach This review paper focuses on the applications of 3D printing in the fight against COVID-19 along with the safety and challenges associated with 3D printing to fight COVID-19. The literature presented in this paper is collected from the journal indexing engines including Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, PubMed, Web of Science, etc. The main keywords used for searches were 3D printing COVID-19, Safety of 3D printed parts, Sustainability of 3D printing, etc. Further possible iterations of the keywords were used to collect the literature. Findings The applications of 3D printing in the fight against COVID-19 are 3D printed face masks, shields, ventilator valves, test swabs, drug deliveries and hands-free door adapters. As most of these measures are implemented hastily, the safety and reliability of these parts often lacked approval. The safety concerns include the safety of the printed parts, operators and secondary personnel such as the workers in material preparation and transportation. The future challenges include sustainability of the process, long term supply chain, intellectual property and royalty-free models, etc. Originality/value This paper presents a comprehensive study on the applications of 3D printing in the fight against COVID-19 with emphasis on the safety and challenges in it.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yangwei Wang ◽  
Peilun Lv ◽  
Jian Li ◽  
Liying Yu ◽  
Guodong Yuan ◽  
...  

Purpose This paper aims to propose a suitable atomizing solidification chitosan (CS) gel liquid extrusion molding technology for the three dimensional (3D) printing method, and experiments verify the feasibility of this method. Design/methodology/approach This paper mainly uses experimental means, combined with theoretical research. The preparation method, solidification forming method and 3D printing method of CS gel solution were studied. The CS gel printing mechanism and printing error sources are analyzed on the basis of the CS gel ink printing results, printing performance with different ratios of components by constructing a gel print prototype, experiments evaluating the CS gel printing technology and the effects of the process parameters on the scaffold formation. Findings CS printing ink was prepared; the optimal formula was found; the 3 D printing experiment of CS was completed; the optimal printing parameters were obtained; and the reliability of the forming prototype, printing ink and gel printing process was verified, which allowed for the possibility to apply the 3 D printing technology to the manufacturing of a CS gel structure. Originality/value This study can provide theoretical and technical support for the potential application of CS 3 D printed gels in tissue engineering.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuezong Wang ◽  
Jinghui Liu ◽  
Mengfei Guo ◽  
LiuQIan Wang

Purpose A three-dimensional (3D) printing error simulation approach is proposed to analyze the influence of tilted vertical beams on the 3D printing accuracy. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of such errors on printing accuracy and printing quality for delta-robot 3D printer. Design/methodology/approach First, the kinematic model of a delta-robot 3D printer with an ideal geometric structure is proposed by using vector analysis. Then, the normal kinematic model of a nonideal delta-robot 3D robot with tilted vertical beams is derived based on the above ideal kinematic model. Finally, a 3D printing error simulation approach is proposed to analyze the influence of tilted vertical beams on the 3D printing accuracy. Findings The results show that tilted vertical beams can indeed cause 3D printing errors and further influence the 3D printing quality of the final products and that the 3D printing errors of tilted vertical beams are related to the rotation angles of the tilted vertical beams. The larger the rotation angles of the tilted vertical beams are, the greater the geometric deformations of the printed structures. Originality/value Three vertical beams and six horizontal beams constitute the supporting parts of the frame of a delta-robot 3D printer. In this paper, the orientations of tilted vertical beams are shown to have a significant influence on 3D printing accuracy. However, the effect of tilted vertical beams on 3D printing accuracy is difficult to capture by instruments. To reveal the 3D printing error mechanisms under the condition of tilted vertical beams, the error generation mechanism and the quantitative influence of tilted vertical beams on 3D printing accuracy are studied by simulating the parallel motion mechanism of a delta-robot 3D printer with tilted vertical beams.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Hughes ◽  
Cathal DeBuitleir ◽  
Philip Soden ◽  
Brian O’Donnchadha ◽  
Anthony Tansey ◽  
...  

Revision hip arthroplasty requires comprehensive appreciation of abnormal bony anatomy. Advances in radiology and manufacturing technology have made three-dimensional (3D) representation of osseous anatomy obtainable, which provide visual and tactile feedback. Such life-size 3D models were manufactured from computed tomography scans of three hip joints in two patients. The first patient had undergone multiple previous hip arthroplasties for bilateral hip infections, resulting in right-sided pelvic discontinuity and a severe left-sided posterosuperior acetabular deficiency. The second patient had a first-stage revision for infection and recurrent dislocations. Specific metal reduction protocols were used to reduce artefact. The images were imported into Materialise MIMICS 14.12®. The models were manufactured using selective laser sintering. Accurate templating was performed preoperatively. Acetabular cup, augment, buttress, and cage sizes were trialled using the models, before being adjusted, and resterilised, enhancing the preoperative decision-making process. Screw trajectory simulation was carried out, reducing the risk of neurovascular injury. With 3D printing technology, complex pelvic deformities were better evaluated and treated with improved precision. Life-size models allowed accurate surgical simulation, thus improving anatomical appreciation and preoperative planning. The accuracy and cost-effectiveness of the technique should prove invaluable as a tool to aid clinical practice.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 454-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah A. Chen ◽  
Chin Siang Ong ◽  
Nagina Malguria ◽  
Luca A. Vricella ◽  
Juan R. Garcia ◽  
...  

Purpose: Patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) present a diverse spectrum of aortic arch morphology. Suboptimal geometry of the reconstructed aortic arch may result from inappropriate size and shape of an implanted patch and may be associated with poor outcomes. Meanwhile, advances in diagnostic imaging, computer-aided design, and three-dimensional (3D) printing technology have enabled the creation of 3D models. The purpose of this study is to create a surgical simulation and training model for aortic arch reconstruction. Description: Specialized segmentation software was used to isolate aortic arch anatomy from HLHS computed tomography scan images to create digital 3D models. Three-dimensional modeling software was used to modify the exported segmented models and digitally design printable customized patches that were optimally sized for arch reconstruction. Evaluation: Life-sized models of HLHS aortic arch anatomy and a digitally derived customized patch were 3D printed to allow simulation of surgical suturing and reconstruction. The patient-specific customized patch was successfully used for surgical simulation. Conclusions: Feasibility of digital design and 3D printing of patient-specific patches for aortic arch reconstruction has been demonstrated. The technology facilitates surgical simulation. Surgical training that leads to an understanding of optimal aortic patch geometry is one element that may potentially influence outcomes for patients with HLHS.


2020 ◽  
Vol 75 ◽  
pp. 04016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ihor Hevko ◽  
Olha Potapchuk ◽  
Iryna Lutsyk ◽  
Viktorya Yavorska ◽  
Viktoriia Tkachuk

The authors present methods building and printing three-dimensional models for graphical reconstruction of historical architectural objects. Procedure sequence of the methods is exemplified through building the model of the Parochial Cathedral of St. Mary of the Perpetual Assistance of the 1950s. After analyzing and assessing the most popular specialized software means, the 3DS Max environment is chosen to build a three-dimensional model. Suggested software tools enable increased accuracy, speed and granularity of fixation of complex systems and expanded databases, providing efficient instruments to deal with bulk data and being relevant to new IT achievements. Sequence and content of operations for analytical and modeling cycles are substantiated. The cathedral model is built on the basis of archive photographs and drafts. The authors describe methods and the algorithm of procedures, principles of architectural and spacious modeling to recreate the architectural object. The three-dimensional model is built by applying a stereogram miniature of the destroyed Cathedral. Reconstruction of spacious configuration of the objects is based on parallax assessment of images. Stages of project implementation are determined. There are described methods of implementing modeling by 3DS Max tools and preparing the model for 3D printing in Cura.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaotong Jiang ◽  
Xiaosheng Cheng ◽  
Qingjin Peng ◽  
Luming Liang ◽  
Ning Dai ◽  
...  

Purpose It is a challenge to print a model with the size that is larger than the working volume of a three-dimensional (3D) printer. The purpose of this paper is to present a feasible approach to divide a large model into small printing parts to fit the volume of a printer and then assemble these parts into the final model. Design/methodology/approach The proposed approach is based on the skeletonization and the minima rule. The skeleton of a printing model is first extracted using the mesh contraction and the principal component analysis. The 3D model is then partitioned preliminarily into many smaller parts using the space sweep method and the minima rule. The preliminary partition is finally optimized using the greedy algorithm. Findings The skeleton of a 3D model can effectively represent a simplified version of the geometry of the 3D model. Using a model’s skeleton to partition the model is an efficient way. As it is generally desirable to have segmentations at concave creases and seams, the cutting position should be located in the concave region. The proposed approach can partition large models effectively to well retain the integrity of meaningful parts. Originality/value The proposed approach is new in the rapid prototyping field using the model skeletonization and the minima rule. Based on the authors’ knowledge, there is no method that concerns the integrity of meaningful parts for partitioning. The proposed method can achieve satisfactory results by the integrity of meaningful parts and assemblability for most 3D models.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1020-1031 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Fernandez-Vicente ◽  
Ana Escario Chust ◽  
Andres Conejero

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel design workflow for the digital fabrication of custom-made orthoses (CMIO). It is intended to provide an easier process for clinical practitioners and orthotic technicians alike. It further functions to reduce the dependency of the operators’ abilities and skills. Design/methodology/approach The technical assessment covers low-cost three-dimensional (3D) scanning, free computer-aided design (CAD) software, and desktop 3D printing and acetone vapour finishing. To analyse its viability, a cost comparison was carried out between the proposed workflow and the traditional CMIO manufacture method. Findings The results show that the proposed workflow is a technically feasible and cost-effective solution to improve upon the traditional process of design and manufacture of custom-made static trapeziometacarpal (TMC) orthoses. Further studies are needed for ensuring a clinically feasible approach and for estimating the efficacy of the method for the recovery process in patients. Social implications The feasibility of the process increases the impact of the study, as the great accessibility to this type of 3D printers makes the digital fabrication method easier to be adopted by operators. Originality/value Although some research has been conducted on digital fabrication of CMIO, few studies have investigated the use of desktop 3D printing in any systematic way. This study provides a first step in the exploration of a new design workflow using low-cost digital fabrication tools combined with non-manual finishing.


2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sangsung Park ◽  
Juhwan Kim ◽  
Hongchul Lee ◽  
Dongsik Jang ◽  
Sunghae Jun

Purpose – An increasing amount of attention is being paid to three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. The technology itself is based on diverse technologies such as laser beams and materials. Hence, 3D printing technology is a converging technology that produces 3D objects using a 3D printer. To become technologically competitive, many companies and nations are developing technologies for 3D printing. So to know its technological evolution is meaningful for developing 3D printing in the future. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – To get technological competitiveness of 3D printing, the authors should know the most important and essential technology for 3D printing. An understanding of the technological evolution of 3D printing is needed to forecast its future technologies and build the R & D planning needed for 3D printing. In this paper, the authors propose a methodology to analyze the technological evolution of 3D printing. The authors analyze entire patent documents related to 3D printing to construct a technological evolution model. The authors use the statistical methods such as time series regression, association analysis based on graph theory, and principal component analysis for patent analysis of 3D printing technology. Findings – Using the proposed methodology, the authors show the technological analysis results of 3D printing and predict its future aspects. Though many and diverse technologies are developed and involved in 3D printing, the authors know only a few technologies take lead the technological evolution of 3D printing. In this paper, the authors find this evolution of technology management for 3D printing. Practical implications – If not all, most people would agree that 3D printing technology is one of the leading technologies to improve the quality of life. So, many companies have developed a number of technologies if they were related to 3D printing. But, most of them have not been considered practical. These were not effective research and development for 3D printing technology. In the study, the authors serve a methodology to select the specific technologies for practical used of 3D printing. Originality/value – Diverse predictions for 3D printing technology have been introduced in many academic and industrial fields. Most of them were made by subjective approaches depended on the knowledge and experience of the experts concerning 3D printing technology. So, they could be fluctuated according to the congregated expert groups, and be unstable for efficient R & D planning. To solve this problem, the authors study on more objective approach to predict the future state of 3D printing by analyzing the patent data of the developed results so far achieved. The contribution of this research is to take a new departure for understanding 3D printing technology using objective and quantitative methods.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document