3D printing innovation paves way for custom medical implants

A new study from the US has revealed a promising new method of using consumer-grade 3D printers to create versatile custom medical implants.

The Louisiana Tech University team have been able to create filament extruders that are capable of producing medical-quality 3D printing filaments, with specialised properties for drug delivery, for the first time.

This makes it possible to fabricate custom medical implants that can contain antibacterial and chemotherapeutic compounds for targeted drug delivery, which are naturally broken down by the body over time.

Since this can be performed using any consumer printer anywhere in the world, it could offer hospital pharmacists and physicians an accessible and affordable new way to deliver drugs and treat illness.

Dr David Mills, professor of biological sciences and biomedical engineering at Louisiana Tech University, said: "It is truly novel and a worldwide first to be 3D printing custom devices with antibiotics and chemotherapeutics."

This comes after recent research from IDTechEx predicted that growing demand for medical implants and printable body parts will greatly accelerate demand for 3D printing technology in the coming years.