3D‐Printing of Functional Biomedical Microdevices via Light‐ and Extrusion‐Based Approaches. Issue 2 (19th December 2017) - Hwang, Henry H.
Abstract: 3D‐printing is a powerful additive manufacturing tool, one that enables fabrication of biomedical devices and systems that would otherwise be challenging to create with more traditional methods such as machining or molding. Many different classes of 3D‐printing technologies exist, most notably extrusion‐based and light‐based 3D‐printers, which are popular in consumer markets, with advantages and limitations for each modality. The focus here is primarily on showcasing the ability of these 3D‐printing platforms to create different types of functional biomedical microdevices—their advantages and limitations are covered with respect to other classes of 3D‐printing, as well as the past, recent, and future efforts to advance the functional microdevice domain. In particular, the fabrication of micromachines/robotics, drug‐delivery devices, biosensors, and microfluidics is addressed. The current challenges associated with 3D‐printing of functional microdevices are also addressed, as well as future directions to improve both the printing techniques and the performance of the printed products. Abstract : 3D‐printing technologies, in the context of creating functional biomedical microdevices, are discussed. In particular, micromachines/robotics, pharmaceutical drug delivery, biosensors, and microfluidics are discussed. Furthermore, a brief background on light‐ and extrusion‐based 3D‐printing techniques is also explored, as well as the relative advantages/limitations, application‐specific considerations in choosing a printing methodology, and the potential future directions in the 3D‐printing of biomedical microdevices.