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International Journal of Bioprinting 3D printing innovations against infection

the World Health Organization has urged industries, diminished efficacy when wet. Successful implementation
scientific communities, and manufacturers to harness low- of respirator reuse, supported by methods like ultraviolet
cost desktop 3D printing technology to fabricate a diverse germicidal irradiation (UVGI), has been demonstrated as
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range of reusable PPE products (Figure 8). To address an alternative for effective N95 respirator decontamination.
these shortages, the innovative technology of 3D printing However, careful consideration of respirator type and
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emerges as a strategic solution, particularly well-suited targeted biological agents is imperative. Moreover,
for crafting intricate structural PPE. Three-dimensional the flexibility of 3D printing enables the customization
printing serves as a versatile robotic platform that facilitates of masks to individual needs and facial shapes. This
the personalized deposition of biomaterials through customization ensures a better fit to the face, enhancing
a CAD system, allowing for meticulous layer-by-layer both sealing effectiveness and wearer comfort. In
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design. This approach ensures the creation of controlled response to mask shortages, Swennen et al. innovatively
structures and compositions, poised to efficiently tackle developed a 3D-customized protective mask and made the
current shortages and swiftly meet the escalating demand design process available freely. Comprising two reusable
for medical devices and PPE amid the ongoing COVID-19 3D-printed components (mask and filter membrane
pandemic (Table 5). holder) and two disposable components (head retention
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strap and filter membrane), this protective mask offers a
At its fundamental level of health protection, a mask valuable solution during times of mask scarcity. McAvoy
functions as a medical device engineered to filter out et al. designed a freely available mask frame to address
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bacteria, mitigating the risk of viral transmission. Various N95 respirator degradation from prolonged storage
materials, including polyamide (PA) composites, ABS, or repeated use. This 3D-printed frame, featuring side
PLA, ULTEM (polyetherimide), and thermoplastic pieces and extensible wire chains with elastic material,
polyurethane (TPU), can serve as base materials for 3D extends the lifespan of N95 and KN95 masks. Test results
printing. While the production time for 3D-printed showed a good fit for approximately 73% of users without
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masks may extend to several hours, a notable advantage compromising effectiveness, offering a practical solution
lies in their reusability, as they can be washed and utilized to mask shortages. Ballard et al. successfully 3D-printed
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multiple times, thereby reducing mask consumption and a respirator, approved by Occupational Safety and Health
lessening environmental impact. The escalating demand Administration (OSHA), as a replacement for N95, using
for N95 masks has compelled frontline healthcare workers computed tomography for design. The prototypes, made
to reuse conventional masks, posing safety risks due to from a flexible polymer, passed quantitative fit testing. This

Table 5. Summary of 3D-printed medical devices against COVID-19 infection

Device Author Benefits Materials 3D printer Ref.
Two reusable 3D-printed components (a
Reusable, easily available and face mask and a filter membrane support)
Swennen et al. SLS 196
inexpensive and two disposable components (head
N95 mask fixation strap and filter membrane)
McAvoy et al. Good fit, longer service life Halyard H600 sterilization wrap Dremel 3d45 197
Quantitative fit testing, rapid Disposable 3M 1860 Health Care
Ballard et al. Stratasys J750 198
prototyping Particulate N95 FFR Respirators
Resolution Medical’s 1st Generation
Swabs Oland et al. High sensitivity and specificity “Lattice Swab” and Origin Laboratories Rapid prototyping 199
“Origin KXG”
Combined with a variety
Williams et al. of transport media, better SLS (feature resolution, 80 μm) and PA2200 SLS 200
medical-grade biocompatible nylon 12
NP swabs flexibility
Alghounaim Cheap and easy to procure Polymer PLA SLA 201
et al.
Higher accuracy, faster vaccine Ionized lipids, structured lipids, auxiliary
Drug Corbett et al. 3D design 203
hardening lipids, and polyethylene glycol lipids
Abbreviations: PLA, polylactic acid; SLA, stereolithography; SLS, selective laser sintering.

Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 144 doi: 10.36922/ijb.2338