High-resolution 3D printing for healthcare

Abstract

We seek to concentrate on the recent developments in high-resolution (<10 μm resolution) 3D printing technologies and their potential transformative impact and applications in healthcare. We start by outlining the clinical context and healthcare needs that are driving some of the most exciting developments in the high-resolution printing and healthcare manufacture. These advances are poised to underpin the growth of major new health and care paradigms such as personalized medicine and medical devices; minimally invasive surgical interventions and sensors; biorobotics, bionics and human machine interfaces enables by haptics technologies; sensing and stimulation devices; theranostics and bioresorbable medical devices, etc. This is followed by a brief review of techniques with demonstrated capability to achieve 3D printing at high resolution, including direct-write, electrohydrodynamic and photocuring printing. Subsequently, a discussion on the fundamentals of small scales flows and materials considerations in designing “inks” for 3D jetting and 3D extrusion printing is covered. This includes expounding on the role of two key parameters: ink rheology and surface energy in deciding printing resolution. Next we discuss some healthcare-related exemplar structures that have exploited high-resolution 3D printing and, in particular, emphasize on the elements of the unique features of high-resolution 3D printing that suit these applications. These include discussion on electronic interconnects and healthcare sensors, bio-scaffolds and their functional properties, cell signaling and the role of site specific materials deposition for biology on chip type applications. Finally, we provide a perspective on future developments in the technology and its potential impact on shaping the future of miniature wearable and implantable sensing, implantable devices, soft robotics, and haptics applications.