Editorial for the Special Issue on 3D Printed Microfluidic Devices

Traditional microfabrication techniques suffer from several disadvantages, including the inability to create truly three-dimensional (3D) architectures, expensive and time-consuming processes when changing device designs, and difficulty in transitioning from prototyping fabrication to bulk manufacturing. 3D printing is an emerging technique that could overcome these disadvantages. While most 3D printed fluidic devices and features to date have been on the millifluidic size scale, some truly microfluidic devices have been shown. Currently, stereolithography is the most promising approach for routine creation of microfluidic structures, but several approaches under development also have potential. Microfluidic 3D printing is still in an early stage, similar to where polydimethylsiloxane was two decades ago. With additional work to advance printer hardware and software control, expand and improve resin and printing material selections, and realize additional applications for 3D printed devices, we foresee 3D printing becoming the dominant microfluidic fabrication method.

Download Full-text

3D printing technologies in the treatment of patients with injuries and diseases of the forearm and hand

Vestnik of Russian military medical Academy ◽

10.17816/brmma25978 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 113-118

Author(s):

V V Khominets ◽

S A Peleshok ◽

D A Volov ◽

M V Titova ◽

M I Eliseeva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Swelling Pressure ◽

3D Models ◽

3D Scanner ◽

Three Dimensional Printing ◽

The Past ◽

3D Printed ◽

The Individual ◽

Dimensional Printing

In the last decade, the range of applications of three-dimensional printing (3D printing) in surgery has been expanding. In traumatology, orthopedics and rehabilitation of injuries of the upper limbs, there is growing interest in creating splints and orthoses that can take into account the individual anatomical features of the human body. Traditional orthoses and splints are not always convenient and can lead to undesirable consequences such as pain, swelling, pressure, or even lack of therapeutic effect. The prospects of 3D printing technology in medicine from the beginning of its mass introduction, the features of modeling, manufacturing and application of means for immobilization of injuries and diseases of the upper extremities according to domestic and foreign publications over the past 5 years are considered. The data on the functionality of 3D-printed tire structures and orthoses used to immobilize the upper limb are analyzed in comparison with traditional methods of fixation. Three-dimensional images of patients with injuries obtained using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or using a 3D scanner can be used to create virtual 3D models of the forearm, wrist, fingers of the patient, and 3D printing with these anatomical models allows you to create personalized tires and orthoses. Thanks to an individual approach and the use of various solutions, three-dimensional printing can be widely used in traumatology and orthopedics. As a result of this approach, it becomes possible to implement and effectively use a variety of solutions that will find support in healthcare.

Download Full-text

Midface Reconstruction: Planning and Outcome

Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1721870 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 53 (03) ◽

pp. 324-334

Author(s):

Gautam Biswas

Keyword(s):

Digital Imaging ◽

3D Structure ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

The Past ◽

Complex Anatomy ◽

Osseointegrated Implants ◽

Low Profile ◽

3D Printed ◽

Midface Reconstruction ◽

Reconstruction Planning

Abstract Reconstruction of the complex anatomy and aesthetics of the midface is often a challenge. A careful understanding of this three-dimensional (3D) structure is necessary. Anticipating the extent of excision and its planning following oncological resections is critical.In the past over two decades, with the advances in microsurgical procedures, contributions toward the reconstruction of this area have generated interest. Planning using digital imaging, 3D printed models, osseointegrated implants, and low-profile plates, has favorably impacted the outcome. However, there are still controversies in the management: to use single composite tissues versus multiple tissues; implants versus autografts; vascularized versus nonvascularized bone; prosthesis versus reconstruction.This article explores the present available options in maxillary reconstruction and outlines the approach in the management garnered from past publications and experiences.

Download Full-text

Three-dimensional printing for heart diseases: clinical application review

Bio-Design and Manufacturing ◽

10.1007/s42242-021-00125-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yanyan Ma ◽

Peng Ding ◽

Lanlan Li ◽

Yang Liu ◽

Ping Jin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Clinical Application ◽

Heart Diseases ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Convincing Evidence ◽

Surgical Interventions ◽

Three Dimensional Printing ◽

Complex Anatomy ◽

Precise Understanding ◽

3D Printed

AbstractHeart diseases remain the top threat to human health, and the treatment of heart diseases changes with each passing day. Convincing evidence shows that three-dimensional (3D) printing allows for a more precise understanding of the complex anatomy associated with various heart diseases. In addition, 3D-printed models of cardiac diseases may serve as effective educational tools and for hands-on simulation of surgical interventions. We introduce examples of the clinical applications of different types of 3D printing based on specific cases and clinical application scenarios of 3D printing in treating heart diseases. We also discuss the limitations and clinically unmet needs of 3D printing in this context.

Download Full-text

Three-Dimensional Printing of Hydroxyapatite Composites for Biomedical Application

Crystals ◽

10.3390/cryst11040353 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 353

Author(s):

Yanting Han ◽

Qianqian Wei ◽

Pengbo Chang ◽

Kehui Hu ◽

Oseweuba Valentine Okoro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tissue Engineering ◽

3D Printing ◽

Biomedical Application ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Antibacterial Properties ◽

Natural Polymers ◽

Three Dimensional Printing ◽

3D Printed ◽

Dental Applications ◽

Hard Tissue Engineering

Hydroxyapatite (HA) and HA-based nanocomposites have been recognized as ideal biomaterials in hard tissue engineering because of their compositional similarity to bioapatite. However, the traditional HA-based nanocomposites fabrication techniques still limit the utilization of HA in bone, cartilage, dental, applications, and other fields. In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) printing has been shown to provide a fast, precise, controllable, and scalable fabrication approach for the synthesis of HA-based scaffolds. This review therefore explores available 3D printing technologies for the preparation of porous HA-based nanocomposites. In the present review, different 3D printed HA-based scaffolds composited with natural polymers and/or synthetic polymers are discussed. Furthermore, the desired properties of HA-based composites via 3D printing such as porosity, mechanical properties, biodegradability, and antibacterial properties are extensively explored. Lastly, the applications and the next generation of HA-based nanocomposites for tissue engineering are discussed.

Download Full-text

Three-dimensionally printed polycaprolactone/multicomponent bioactive glass scaffolds for potential application in bone tissue engineering

Biomedical glasses ◽

10.1515/bglass-2020-0006 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 57-69

Author(s):

Amirhosein Fathi ◽

Farzad Kermani ◽

Aliasghar Behnamghader ◽

Sara Banijamali ◽

Masoud Mozafari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tissue Engineering ◽

3D Printing ◽

Bone Tissue Engineering ◽

Bone Tissue ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Layer By Layer ◽

Composite Scaffolds ◽

3D Printed ◽

Co Doped

AbstractOver the last years, three-dimensional (3D) printing has been successfully applied to produce suitable substitutes for treating bone defects. In this work, 3D printed composite scaffolds of polycaprolactone (PCL) and strontium (Sr)- and cobalt (Co)-doped multi-component melt-derived bioactive glasses (BGs) were prepared for bone tissue engineering strategies. For this purpose, 30% of as-prepared BG particles (size <38 μm) were incorporated into PCL, and then the obtained composite mix was introduced into a 3D printing machine to fabricate layer-by-layer porous structures with the size of 12 × 12 × 2 mm3.The scaffolds were fully characterized through a series of physico-chemical and biological assays. Adding the BGs to PCL led to an improvement in the compressive strength of the fabricated scaffolds and increased their hydrophilicity. Furthermore, the PCL/BG scaffolds showed apatite-forming ability (i.e., bioactivity behavior) after being immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF). The in vitro cellular examinations revealed the cytocompatibility of the scaffolds and confirmed them as suitable substrates for the adhesion and proliferation of MG-63 osteosarcoma cells. In conclusion, 3D printed composite scaffolds made of PCL and Sr- and Co-doped BGs might be potentially-beneficial bone replacements, and the achieved results motivate further research on these materials.

Download Full-text

3D printing of a bio-based ink made of cross-linked cellulose nanofibrils with various metal cations

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-85865-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

J. Benedikt Mietner ◽

Xuehe Jiang ◽

Ulrica Edlund ◽

Bodo Saake ◽

Julien R. G. Navarro

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Divalent Cations ◽

Cellulose Nanofibrils ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Metal Cations ◽

Cross Link ◽

Cellulose Pulp ◽

Freeze Dried ◽

3D Printed ◽

Metallic Cations

AbstractIn this work, we present an approach to cross-link cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) with various metallic cations (Fe3+, Al3+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) to produce inks suitable for three-dimensional (3D) printing application. The printability of each hydrogel ink was evaluated, and several parameters such as the optimal ratio of Mn+:TOCNF:H2O were discussed. CNF suspensions were produced by mechanical disintegration of cellulose pulp with a microfluidizer and then oxidized with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO). Finally, metal cations were introduced to the deprotonated TEMPO-oxidized CNF (TOCNF) suspension to cross-link the nanofibrils and form the corresponding hydrogels. The performances of each gel-ink were evaluated by rheological measurements and 3D printing. Only the gels incorporated with divalent cations Ca2+ and Mg2+ were suitable for 3D printing. The 3D printed structures were freeze-dried and characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The better interaction of the TOCNFs with the divalent metallic cations in terms of printability, the viscoelastic properties of the inks, and the variation trends owing to various metal cations and ratios are discussed.

Download Full-text

A review on the role of 3D printing in the fight against COVID-19: safety and challenges

Rapid Prototyping Journal ◽

10.1108/rpj-08-2020-0198 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Sapam Ningthemba Singh ◽

Vavilada Satya Swamy Venkatesh ◽

Ashish Bhalchandra Deoghare

Keyword(s):

Supply Chain ◽

3D Printing ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Content Type ◽

Medical Supplies ◽

Future Challenges ◽

Safety And Reliability ◽

3D Printed ◽

Comprehensive Study

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.

Download Full-text

Additive technology applied to the realization of K-band microwave terminations: reproducibility improvement

International Journal of Microwave and Wireless Technologies ◽

10.1017/s1759078717001404 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 3-8

Author(s):

Azar Maalouf ◽

Ronan Gingat ◽

Vincent Laur

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Frequency Band ◽

Rectangular Waveguide ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Low Density ◽

Support Material ◽

Additive Technology ◽

3D Printed ◽

K Band

This study examines K-band rectangular waveguide terminations with three-dimensional (3D)-printed loads, and proposes an Asymmetrical Tapered Wedge topology. This geometry shows a good tradeoff between microwave performance and 3D-printing issues (printing directions and support material requirements), thus improving noticeably the reproducibility of the devices. The effect of the density of the 3D-printed load on the reflection parameter of the termination was investigated. Even for a low density, reflection level remained below −27.5 dB between 18 and 26.5 GHz. Reproducibility was demonstrated by the characterization of six loads that were 3D printed under the same conditions. Measurements demonstrate that a maximum reflection parameter level of −33.5 dB can be ensured over the whole frequency band without any post-machining of the 3D-printed devices.

Download Full-text

Algorithm to Reduce Leading and Lagging in Conformal Direct-Print

Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering ◽

10.1115/1.4040730 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 140 (10) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Morteza Vatani ◽

Faez Alkadi ◽

Jae-Won Choi

Keyword(s):

Additive Manufacturing ◽

3D Printing ◽

3D Model ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Motion Direction ◽

B Spline ◽

And Topology ◽

Printing System ◽

3D Printed ◽

Printed Patterns

A novel additive manufacturing algorithm was developed to increase the consistency of three-dimensional (3D) printed curvilinear or conformal patterns on freeform surfaces. The algorithm dynamically and locally compensates the nozzle location with respect to the pattern geometry, motion direction, and topology of the substrate to minimize lagging or leading during conformal printing. The printing algorithm was implemented in an existing 3D printing system that consists of an extrusion-based dispensing module and an XYZ-stage. A dispensing head is fixed on a Z-axis and moves vertically, while the substrate is installed on an XY-stage and moves in the x–y plane. The printing algorithm approximates the printed pattern using nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS) curves translated directly from a 3D model. Results showed that the proposed printing algorithm increases the consistency in the width of the printed patterns. It is envisioned that the proposed algorithm can facilitate nonplanar 3D printing using common and commercially available Cartesian-type 3D printing systems.

Download Full-text