A review of fabrication polymer scaffolds for biomedical applications using additive manufacturing techniques

Abstract This paper presents the current state-of-the art of additive manufacturing (AM) applications in the biomedical field, especially in tissue engineering. Multiple advantages of additive manufacturing allow to precise three-dimensional objects fabrication with complex structure using various materials. Depending on the purpose of the manufactured part, different AM technologies are implemented, in which a specific material can be utilized. In the biomedical field, there are used several techniques such as: Binder Jetting, Material Extrusion, Material Jetting, Powder Bed Fusion, Sheet Lamination, Vat Polymerization. This article focuses on the utilization of polymer materials (natural and synthetic) taking into account hydrogels in scaffolds fabrication. Assessment of polymer scaffolds mechanical properties enables personalized patient care, as well as prevents damage after implantation in human body. By controlling process parameters it is possible to obtain optimised mechanical properties of manufactured parts.