Utility of Chitosan for 3D Printing and Bioprinting

Traditional prototype development and optimization is a long and costly process. Customization of those products is either very difficult or unfeasible. Healthcare implants are often chosen by the surgeon, much like shoes, for the ‘best fit’. In addition to synthetic implant issues, there is a considerable lack of tissue and organs for transplant. When we consider the development and testing of new drugs, many in vitro models are poor predictors for drug efficacy. Cell and tissue growth on commonly used plastics, in 2 dimensions, may be part of this issue. Looking at drug delivery, the release and stability are often poorly optimized, with controlled drug delivery and release kinetics often unaddressed. In addition to these healthcare related issues, the world is facing increased pressure for resources due to both population growth and standard of living increases.