The status and challenges of replicating the mechanical properties of connective tissues using additive manufacturing

Saeed Miramini; Katie L Fegan; Naomi C Green; Daniel M Espino; Lihai Zhang; Lauren E J Thomas-Seale

doi:10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.103544

The status and challenges of replicating the mechanical properties of connective tissues using additive manufacturing

J Mech Behav Biomed Mater. 2020 Mar:103:103544. doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.103544. Epub 2019 Nov 18.

Authors

Saeed Miramini¹, Katie L Fegan², Naomi C Green³, Daniel M Espino⁴, Lihai Zhang⁵, Lauren E J Thomas-Seale⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Infrastructure Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia. Electronic address: s.miramini@unimelb.edu.au.
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. Electronic address: K.Fegan@pgr.bham.ac.uk.
³ Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. Electronic address: N.C.Green@bham.ac.uk.
⁴ Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. Electronic address: D.M.Espino@bham.ac.uk.
⁵ Department of Infrastructure Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia. Electronic address: lihzhang@unimelb.edu.au.
⁶ Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. Electronic address: L.E.J.Thomas-Seale@bham.ac.uk.

PMID: 32090944
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.103544

Abstract

The ability to fabricate complex structures via precise and heterogeneous deposition of biomaterials makes additive manufacturing (AM) a leading technology in the creation of implants and tissue engineered scaffolds. Connective tissues (CTs) remain attractive targets for manufacturing due to their "simple" tissue compositions that, in theory, are replicable through choice of biomaterial(s) and implant microarchitecture. Nevertheless, characterisation of the mechanical and biological functions of 3D printed constructs with respect to their host tissues is often limited and remains a restriction towards their translation into clinical practice. This review aims to provide an update on the current status of AM to mimic the mechanical properties of CTs, with focus on arterial tissue, articular cartilage and bone, from the perspective of printing platforms, biomaterial properties, and topological design. Furthermore, the grand challenges associated with the AM of CT replacements and their subsequent regulatory requirements are discussed to aid further development of reliable and effective implants.

Keywords: 3D printing; Biomaterial characterisation; Bioprinting; Design; Implants; Tissue engineering scaffolds.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Biocompatible Materials
Bone and Bones
Cartilage, Articular*
Printing, Three-Dimensional
Tissue Engineering*
Tissue Scaffolds

Substances

Biocompatible Materials