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International Journal of Bioprinting 3D printing innovations against infection

traditional vaccine performance. Utilizing cell membrane- issues, the introduction of four-dimensional (4D)
encapsulated nanoparticles has shown extended immune printing technology is considered the way forward.
effects, effectively preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection. The This technology uses smart thermal polymers that
incorporation of nanotechnology, including 3D printing, can change shape in response to physicochemical or
has successfully tackled challenges in drug delivery, biochemical stimuli. This advanced manufacturing
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offering a promising avenue for designing next-generation method offers the possibility of creating meshes with
vaccines. For instance, the lipid nanoparticle carrier the ability to gradually adapt and respond to changes in
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in the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (mRNA-1273) has the tissue environment, enhancing inward tissue growth
proven effective in inducing neutralizing activity and CD8 and implant compliance. In addition, drug delivery
T-cell responses, providing valuable insights for vaccine systems can also be optimized with this technology,
development. Furthermore, the application of 3D allowing printed drug-carrying meshes to release drugs
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printing in drug delivery systems holds the potential for on- when needed, thus better meeting therapeutic needs in
site, on-demand production of personalized medications, areas such as implant-associated infections. With the
replacing traditional mass manufacturing methods, introduction of 4D printing technology, we look forward
thereby reducing costs, and minimizing material waste. 179 to more innovations in the medical field, overcoming
the limitations of current technology and opening new
6. Conclusion and outlook possibilities for future medical advances.

This comprehensive review spans various domains, In addition to its role in preventing bacterial biofilm
including medical, biomaterials, 3D printing, and formation, it is noteworthy to highlight the crucial impact
antimicrobial technologies. However, given its of 3D-printed materials in combating viral infections,
multidisciplinary nature, there may be a certain lack of particularly during the period of medical supply shortages
depth to fully meet the specialized requirements of each such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The versatility of 3D
field. While antimicrobial materials show significant printing enables the rapid production of customized
potential challenges (such as durability, biocompatibility, components for various medical applications, including the
and precision of drug release), complexities in practical development of antiviral surfaces and PPE. The integration
applications must be addressed, thus warranting further of antiviral materials into 3D printing processes holds
research. One focus of this review centers on elucidating significant promise for creating medical devices that not
the mechanisms of biofilm formation on the surfaces of only resist bacterial colonization but also exhibit antiviral
3D-printed materials and current methods employed properties, contributing to the overall safety of healthcare
to prevent such formations. A particular emphasis is environments. Although 3D printing’s application in
placed on the application of antimicrobial materials in 3D responding to large-scale infectious disease outbreaks is
printing and their potential efficacy in managing surgical a novel method, its rapid response in producing antiviral
skin wounds. The thorough examination of existing items during COVID-19 was crucial. Currently, 3D
literature provides a profound understanding of how printing materials are only capable of customizing simple
3D printing technology can offer bespoke solutions for medical equipment in the preparation of antiviral medical
medical device and implant fabrication. The incorporation devices, without able to fully meet the shifting needs of
of antimicrobial materials in this process holds significant the medical field. Going forward, we expect 3D printing
promise for enhancing surgical success rates, reducing technology to be able to create more complex and high-
surgical risks, and alleviating patient suffering. However, tech products, such as customized artificial lungs to suit
it is acknowledged that challenges persist, particularly in different patient characteristics and the fabrication of
addressing implant-associated infections, emphasizing the smart respiratory devices capable of monitoring a patient’s
need for sustained antimicrobial efficacy, durability, and respiratory status and adjusting therapeutic parameters in
biocompatibility over the long term. real time.
This review covers a wide range of areas including In summary, the amalgamation of 3D printing
medical, biomaterials, 3D printing, and antimicrobial technology and antimicrobial materials holds immense
technologies, although the multidisciplinary nature of the potential for the medical field. With ongoing efforts and
field may result in a lack of depth. Antimicrobial materials collaborative endeavors, we are optimistic about further
exhibit immense potential in the medical field. However, exploration in personalized medicine, surgical treatments,
challenges remain in terms of durability, biocompatibility, implant development, and PPE. Through persistent
and precision of drug release. These challenges may dedication and cooperation, these technologies are poised
give rise to complexities in practical applications and to become pivotal driving forces for advancements in
require more research to address. In response to these medical practices.

Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 146 doi: 10.36922/ijb.2338