Page 151 - IJB-10-4

International Journal of Bioprinting 3D printing innovations against infection

proves effective in preventing bacterial infections. Another histologically. The viability of this drug-doped 3D-printed
pivotal approach involves harnessing NO as an endogenous PCL patch in hernia treatment was confirmed, showcasing
signaling molecule released from the endothelium to robust antimicrobial properties and favorable histological
forestall thrombosis and bacterial infections. Presently, behavior. In addition, Olmos-Juste et al. used 3D
191
86
the integration of the nitric oxide release system into printing technology to develop a personalized mesh
3D-printed vascular grafts has been achieved. Utilizing implant made of alginate and water-based polyurethane
188
3D printing technology, small-diameter vascular grafts (WBPU). Through 3D printing technology, they were
exhibit notable antibacterial and non-thrombogenic able to achieve precise fabrication of the implant localized
properties with controlled NO release. Three biomedical- to the antibiotic-loaded mesh, aiming to minimize the
grade composite matrices—PEG (polyethylene glycol)- risk of post-surgical infection. WBPU + CaCl from
2
SNAP, PCL-SNAP, and PEG-PCL-SNAP—were chloramphenicol-loaded WBPU was used in the study
successfully developed using S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D- for in vitro drug delivery experiments, which showed that
penicillamine (SNAP) as the NO donor. Optimization and 80% of the antibiotic was released within the first 24 h after
extension of NO release profiles were achieved through the implantation. This release characteristic helps to avoid
deposition of a PCL top-coat (tc). Biological tests revealed surgical site infection and future patch replacement. These
that 3D-printed small diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) groundbreaking studies collectively offer an innovative
coated with PEG-PCL-SNAP-tc demonstrated quantitative prospect for the future of hernia treatment.
antimicrobial effects against both Gram-positive and Collectively, innovative research in the field of hernia
Gram-negative bacteria while inhibiting NO-mediated treatment is geared toward addressing post-surgical
platelet activation and aggregation. These innovative complications, with 3D printing technology providing
189
applications not only inspire new prospects in the medical an important tool for the development of antimicrobial
field but also underscore the tremendous potential of 3D materials and inflammation-modulating bioscaffolds.
printing technology in cardiovascular therapy. Through custom-designed patches and scaffolds and the

4.6. Novel 3D-printed materials in hernia treatment integration of antimicrobial materials, researchers are
Surgical hernia, characterized by the protrusion of intra- working to improve the precision, adaptability, and long-
abdominal organs through a weakened abdominal wall, term outcomes of treatment. The innovative approaches
necessitates surgical repair using patches to reinforce the offer new perspectives for future hernia treatments
area and prevent recurrence. Post-surgical infections pose through bactericidal action, modulation of inflammatory
responses, and prevention of adhesions.
a common challenge, prompting the crucial integration
of antimicrobial materials. Employing these materials 5. Applications of 3D printing technology
in surgical patches not only lowers infection risks and
minimizes complications but also enhances implant to prevent COVID-19 infection
durability. The antimicrobial properties effectively inhibit The importance of 3D-printed medical equipment to
microbial growth, offering patients a safer and more prevent virus cross-infection during the COVID-19
dependable solution for surgical repair (Table 4). epidemic cannot be overstated. Traditional production
190
Moreover, post-implantation adhesion poses a methods are under supply chain pressure due to the
formidable challenge, often arising from foreign body shortage of medical devices and PPE, which 3D printing
reactions and peritoneal layer disruption. To tackle this technology bridges through personalized design, rapid
concern, Shin et al. introduced inflammation-modulating production, and the flexibility to manufacture complex
85
polymer scaffolds, crafted through 3D bioprinting with in structures. The application of 3D technology helps reduce
situ phosphate-crosslinked poly (vinyl alcohol) polymers. the risk of cross-infection, providing an innovative and
Assessment in a rat ventral hernia model revealed the efficient solution for the prevention of COVID-19 outbreak.
bioscaffold’s effective modulation of local inflammation by COVID-19 primarily spreads through contact with
capturing pro-inflammatory cytokines at the implantation an infected person, respiratory droplets released during
site, eliminating the need for external anti-inflammatory coughing or sneezing, and the transmission of saliva or
agents. Simultaneously, a separate investigation focusing on minuscule droplets from the nose. To mitigate the virus’s
PCL and gentamicin successfully developed antimicrobial transmission, there has been a substantial surge in the
materials via 3D printing. In vitro evaluations demonstrated demand for medical equipment and PPE, including
the potent bactericidal effects of the gentamicin-infused N95 respirator masks, face shields, respirator valves, test
PCL patch against E. coli. Rats implanted with this kits, controlled air-purifying respirators (CAPRs), and
PCL patch displayed mild inflammation and fibrosis emergency isolation dwellings. Recognizing this demand,

Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 143 doi: 10.36922/ijb.2338