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International Journal of Bioprinting 3D printing innovations against infection

3.1. Implantation of 3D-printed materials approach. The surfaces of 3D-printed objects can be
When the 3D-printed material is introduced into the modified to integrate antimicrobial features, utilizing
body, a conditioning membrane forms on its inert surface, microtextures or coatings with antimicrobial properties
comprising proteins like fibrinogen, platelet-reactive protein, to impede the attachment and proliferation of pathogens.
vascular hemophilic factor, and polysaccharides. 10,54,55 This proactive measure reduces the risk of infection.
Planktonic microorganisms adhere to this surface using Moreover, customization is a key factor in infection risk
appendages such as flagella, which provides motility and reduction, as 3D printing enables the creation of medical
facilitates microbial adhesion to specific surfaces. Various devices and implants tailored to the specific needs and
physical forces, including van der Waals forces, London- anatomy of individual patients. The careful selection
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van der Waals forces, spatial site resistance, and electrostatic of biocompatible materials, inherently equipped with
interactions, contribute to this process, influenced by antimicrobial properties, further minimizes the risk
factors like temperature, pressure, and material surface of infections associated with 3D-printed objects. The
composition. 56-58 Microorganisms gradually enhance their technology’s capacity for rapid prototyping expedites the
adhesion to the material surface by secreting extracellular development and testing of medical devices, facilitating
polymers such as proteins, lipopolysaccharides, lipids, and quicker deployment and reducing the time during
DNA, ultimately leading to irreversible adhesion. 59-61 which patients might be susceptible to infections.
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Additionally, 3D printing’s layer-by-layer additive process
3.2. Biofilm formation and maturation mitigates contamination risks compared to traditional
The surface of the 3D-printed material, once implanted manufacturing methods, ensuring enhanced safety
in the body, triggers the formation of a biofilm by throughout the production process. In summary, with
microbial populations. This biofilm offers resistance
against antibodies, phagocytosis, and antibiotics. 62,63 meticulous consideration of materials and design, 3D
Bacterial cells undergo division and proliferation on the printing proves instrumental in preventing infections by
material’s surface, creating colonies that gradually increase creating customized, antimicrobial surfaces on medical
in density, forming adhesive bonds primarily relying on devices and accelerating the development of efficient tools
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extracellular polysaccharide substances (EPS). These EPS and implants.
exhibit adhesive, protective, and structurally supportive Biofilms formed after implant surgery pose a serious
properties, facilitating the progressive development of the impact on patient recovery, and to effectively address this
biofilm into a complex 3D structure. 64,65 challenge, 3D printing technology is employed in medical
engineering. Through the precise design and introduction
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3.3. Biofilm dispersion and recolonization of antimicrobial materials on the surface of implants,
The microbial population gradually increases within the which include not only metal ions and antibiotics but may
biofilm, consuming nutrient resources and producing also involve the antimicrobial properties possessed by the
accumulating toxic substances that eventually lead to materials themselves, this technology has demonstrated
stress. Under conditions of environmental degradation, unprecedented potential for application in several
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microbial cells choose to disperse from the implant to other medical fields. 74,75 Next, we will delve into the innovative
regions, contributing to the spread of infection. 67-69 Factors applications of 3D-printed antimicrobial materials in
such as glycolytic enzymes, lytic enzymes, and physical orthopedic implants, 76-78 catheters, wound dressings, 80,81
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shear are involved in the disintegration of the biofilm and dental materials, 82,83 heart stents, hernia meshes, 85,86 and
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the recolonization of bacteria. 70-72
other areas of excellence in patch preparation (Figure 3).
This process highlights that by adjusting surface These applications are expected not only to increase the
properties and microstructure when 3D-printed materials customization and adaptability of treatments but also to
are implanted in the body, it is possible to influence biofilm significantly improve therapeutic outcomes.
formation, modulate microbial adhesion behavior, reduce
the risk of infection, and improve the biocompatibility of 4.1. Innovation of 3D-bioprinted scaffolds to
the material. prevent orthopedic infection
Orthopedic implant infection is a significant medical
4. The contribution of 3D printing complication frequently encountered in patients
technology to prevent microbial infection undergoing orthopedic surgery, including procedures
in the clinical practice such as fracture repair, arthroplasty, and spine surgery.
According to statistical data, the incidence of infection
Three-dimensional printing technology significantly following hip prosthesis implantation ranges from 8.0%
contributes to infection prevention through a multifaceted to 3.2%, while the incidence of infection in total knee

Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 128 doi: 10.36922/ijb.2338