Advancements in 3D printing techniques for biomedical applications: a comprehensive review of materials consideration, post processing, applications, and challenges

Abstract

Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) printing has become a potent production tool in the field of biomedical engineering over the past 20 years. Through layer-by-layer deposition of materials, proteins, and even living cells, it offers considerable advantages in the creation of sophisticated and individualized biomedical products with accuracy, efficiency, cost effectiveness, and reproducibility. Despite the tremendous advances made in 3D printing, more work needs to be done to improve the quality of biomedical goods created with this technology. To assure the creation of remarkable and ground-breaking goods that address patients’ demands, numerous challenges in 3D printing processes, materials, and applications must be addressed. It is necessary to incorporate developments in physics, materials science, engineering, biological sciences, and medicine to meet these problems. This article reviews a variety of 3D printing-related issues in the biomedical industry, including processes, post-processing techniques, applications, and related difficulties. It analyzes the difficulties 3D printing in biomedical engineering faces and makes suggestions for potential future advancements. It is obvious that 3D printing is becoming more and more important in this field and has the ability to provide a wide variety of useful biological items. This review seeks to identify future directions for research and development while also advancing understanding of the existing state of 3D printing and the effect of post-processing in biomedical engineering. Graphical Abstract

Keywords

• 3D printing
• Biomedical applications
• Material considerations
• Challenges