| Abstract Scope |
Additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing (3DP) is becoming essential for patient-matched implants due to better functionalities and shorter manufacturing lead times. Establishing process property relationships for different AM techniques is vital to their successful implementation in biomedical devices. AM of multiple materials in a single operation is an exciting innovation. Inorganic biomaterials, e.g., calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramics compositionally similar to the inorganic part of the bone, are often used in bone implants as 3DP tissue engineering scaffolds and surface-modified hip and knee implant devices. To shorten the healing time via better osteogenesis and angiogenesis, CaP with natural medicinal compounds, e.g., the active compounds of Turmeric (Curcumin), Ginger (Gingerol), Garlic (Allicin), Oregano (Carvacrol/thymol), are used. 3D interconnected channels provide pathways for micronutrient transport and improved mechanical interlocking between scaffolds and surrounding bone. These systems show promise for their use in orthopedic and dental devices in improving current hip/knee implant lifetime. |