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Biocompatible polymers have emerged as essential materials in medical 3D printing, enabling the fabrication of scaffolds, tissue constructs, drug delivery systems, and biosensors for applications in and on the human body. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of 3D-printable biocompatible polymers and their composites, with an emphasis on their processing methods, properties, and biomedical uses. The scope of this work includes both natural and synthetic biocompatible polymers, polymer–nanocomposite systems, and bioinks that do not require photo initiators. The relevant literature was critically examined to classify materials by type, evaluate their compatibility with major 3D printing techniques such as stereolithography, selective laser sintering, and fused deposition modeling, and assess their performance in various medical applications. Key findings highlight that reinforced polymer composites, tailored surface chemistries, and hybrid printing strategies significantly expand the range of functional, customizable, and affordable biomedical devices. This review concludes by discussing present-day applications and emerging trends, underscoring that 3D-printable biocompatible polymers are rapidly transitioning from research to clinical practice, offering transformative potential for patient-specific healthcare solutions.
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Bioionic Liquids: Enabling a Paradigm Shift Toward Advanced and Smart Biomedical Applications
Ionic liquids (ILs) exhibit unique properties of good ionic conductivity, electrochemical and thermal stability, and nonflammability, which make them promising candidates for biomedical applications. The limitations of their cytocompatibility are enhanced by using bioionic liquids (BILs) derived from biological molecules such as amines, sugars, and organic acids. BILs can be synthesized using tailorable chemistries that enable their immobilization onto biopolymers. For example, the cholinium ion and its derivatives have found significant interest in tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. Ion‐doped BIL‐functionalized polymers and their composites can also be used to design pH and electrical responsive actuators and sensors. The cytocompatibility and low immunogenicity of BIL‐functionalized polymers enable the possibilities of their use for power storage devices as well as implantable devices. These devices are gaining recognition and importance in nucleic acid delivery and molecular medicine. This review focuses on the recent advances of BILs in biomedical applications. Specifically, the review explores BILs as agents for biopolymer functionalization and highlights BILs as solvents for supermolecular ionic networks.
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- PAR ID:
- 10396476
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Advanced Intelligent Systems
- Volume:
- 5
- Issue:
- 5
- ISSN:
- 2640-4567
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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