How to Modify Biomaterials and Biomedical Devices Using Additive Manufacturing

The demand for synthetic biomaterials in medical devices is growing. Washington State University reviewed the use of additive manufacturing (AM) to modify biomaterials, enhancing their performance. This guide outlines how AM can deliberately modify biomaterial surfaces with spatial specificity in a single manufacturing process, improving implant outcomes.

Steps for Surface Modification Using Additive Manufacturing

1. Initiate Specific Protein Adsorption: Achieve tissue integration by initiating specific protein adsorption that leads to ECM formation or by providing a surface that acts as a simulated ECM. The specific proteins and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) within the ECM play an important role in creating an environment for the targeted cells to adhere, proliferate and differentiate.
2. Apply Layer-by-Layer (LbL) Technique: Use polyelectrolyte solutions to create complex surface layering. Briefly, the principle behind LbL is to alternatively dip the substrate of interest into solutions of oppositely charged particles to create bilayer coatings.
3. Utilize Soft Lithography (SL): Create a master die, and using that to create elastomer molds. The master die can be used to create dozens of molds, and in turn the molds are utilized to create micro and nano-sized features on the substrates of interest.