3D Printing of Biodegradable Polymers for Biomedical Application

Abstract

With the development of additive manufacturing and 3D printing in particular, biomedical industry has been transformed to produce personalized, multi-dimensional, and patient-specific parts. Biodegradable polymers among other materials have come in to play as a solution to medical devices, tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems as a sustainable and biocompatable alternative to other materials. This paper discusses the 3D printing technique in the production of bio-based biomedical items in using polymers (polylactic acid, PLA, polycaprolactone, PCL and polyglycolic acid, PGA). It talks about how the polymers can facilitate controlled degradation, mechanical stability and biological compatibility which makes them suitable in the application of bone scaffolds, implants, and wound healing systems. The paper also explores the existing issues such as optimization of the processes, mechanical strength, and sterilization issue, and future opportunities of smart biodegradable materials combined with nanotechnology. The results indicate that the 3D printing of biodegradable polymers cannot only increase the level of precision and sustainability but also is an essential step towards the personalized medicine and regenerative healthcare solutions.