3D printing and its applications in artificial organs and medical implants: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Growing demand for organ transplants alongside the crisis of suitable donors has propelled advances and in regenerative medicine and biomedical engineering. Three-Dimensional (3D) organ printing is a modern technology that meets the criteria for building functional biological structures while maintaining requirements of biomaterial science and additive manufacturing. 3D-printed medical implants are highly customised and functionally appropriate, reducing immune rejection rates and dependence on organ donors. Currently, there are several techniques of 3D printing, like FDM, DLP, SLS, etc. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages from the point of material selection, physical and chemical conditions of printing ink, process requirements, and final products. Recent decades' major advancements in 3D printing technology, tissue engineering, and printing materials have enhanced the resolution, viability, and functionality of printed tissues. This technology has now shifted towards more complex structures like kidneys, hearts, and livers. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the most popular 3D printing technology used for 3D organ printing, progress, materials, and emerging applications. It also focused on the multidisciplinary nature and potential of 3D printing and discussed existing challenges and future perspectives to better utilize 3D printing to increase surgical efficiency and patient satisfaction.