3d printing technology in therapeutic approaches: applications and future aspects

Three-dimensional (3d) printing is a technology based on the layered construction of materials that has recently been used in many fields. this technology has different applications in medical therapeutic approaches by enabling cell printing, organ models, scaffolds, implants, drugs, and medical equipment. one of its applications is 3d anatomical models used for teaching medicine, especially for gross anatomical pathology which leads to reducing health concerns, less need for post-mortem specimens, and lower related financial costs. also, it is used in different surgical fields such as orthopedic, spinal, and cranial surgery by using models and implants which increase better surgical outcomes and decrease surgical time. this technology has been used for the treatment and realizing the stages of different diseases like hepatic-related conditions. another area of medical approaches is related to ocular care by 3d-printed materials such as orbital models, diagnostic/surgical eye instruments, drug delivery vehicles, and bioactive/biodegradable membranes in eye local defects like ocular surface damage. 3d models also can be used for promoting the treatment of cancer by designing tumor models to study metastasis, cancer growth, different drugs, personalized treatments, patient conditions, surgical guides, and devices for tumor removal. in the future, 3d printing technology will rapidly promote different aspects of medical science for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. it will enable in vitro models of diseases, effective treatments, whole organ replacement by a functional one, and efficient tissue engineering products. to use this technology more in the future, it is necessary to know its applications and keep in mind that new technologies will bring challenges such as environmental issues, unexpected consequences, and financial costs that must be accurately and widely investigated.