Page 131 - IJB-10-4

International

Journal of Bioprinting

REVIEW ARTICLE
Innovations of 3D printing technology in the

clinical practice: Strategies against microbial and
COVID-19 infection

Wang Li , Youlong Hai , Ranxing Yang , Kun Zheng , Wenzhuo Fang ,
1†
1†
1†
1
1
Jinlong Yu , Hong Xie *, Yu Huang *, and Kai Ni *
1
2
1
3
1 Department of Urology, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong
University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
2 Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong
University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
3
Department of Radiology, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong
University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Bioprinting Strategies for Infectious Disease)
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is making remarkable strides in the fields
of biology and medicine due to its highly customizable manufacturing capabilities.
Implant infections—severe complications occurring after the implantation of medical
devices—result in patient discomfort and inflammation, and under most circumstances,
† These authors contributed equally removing the implants may pose latent life-threatening risks. In this context, 3D
to this work. printing technology emerges as a powerful tool for the customized preparation of
anti-infection materials. Precisely integrating antimicrobial agents, bioactive metal
*Corresponding authors:
Kai Ni (kai.ni@shsmu.edu.cn) ions, antibacterial coatings, and other anti-infection materials into 3D-printed objects
Yu Huang (yuhuang6y@163.com) lays a foundation for developing direct and targeted intervention for infections, paving
Hong Xie (drxiehong@163.com) the way for innovative approaches to prevent and treat implant infections. This tailored
method not only significantly improves treatment outcomes and mitigates patient side
Citation: Li W, Hai Y, Yang R,
et al. Innovations of effects but also holds unprecedented potential for enhancing the biocompatibility of
3D printing technology in the implants and reducing the risk of microbial infections, signifying profound implications
clinical practice: Strategies for the future of medical advancements. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, 3D
against microbial and
COVID-19 infection. printing technology plays a pivotal role in preventing virus infection and addressing the
Int J Bioprint. 2024;10(4):2338. increasing clinical demand, being employed to produce essential personal protective
doi: 10.36922/ijb.2338 equipment. This technology not only enhances the adaptability of medical devices
Received: November 29, 2023 (such as respirator masks, face shields, and test kits) but also offers an innovative and
Accepted: February 24, 2024 prompt solution in response to the spread of COVID-19. This comprehensive review
Published Online: March 20, 2024
extensively explores cutting-edge research on 3D printing technology in the medical
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s). field, with a particular focus on in-depth analyses of infection preventive strategies
This is an Open Access article in the clinical practice, including antimicrobial materials and medical devices against
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution COVID-19. Finally, the review anticipates the ongoing development of medical
License, permitting distribution, biomaterials and devices produced by 3D printing technology, underscoring the
and reproduction in any medium, expectations for the research and application of novel materials. This in-depth and
provided the original work is
properly cited. comprehensive review provides profound insights for current research in the field and
offers clear guidance for future scientific and clinical practices.
Publisher’s Note: AccScience
Publishing remains neutral with
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional Keywords: 3D printing technology; Infection; Biofilm; Antimicrobial materials;
affiliations. COVID-19

Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 123 doi: 10.36922/ijb.2338