5. 3D printing of collagen-based materials

The geometric shape of a biomaterial is also very important for certain applications. The range of shapes that can be achieved by simply molding a precursor solution is limited. 3D printing, on the other hand, makes it possible to design materials of virtually any geometric complexity. Implants with a patient-specific shape can be custom-designed and printed to integrate perfectly at the site of injury. Medical images, obtained by CT scan or MRI for example, can be used to design the implant. A 3D file is first generated using computer-aided design (CAD) software. This file serves as a blueprint, containing instructions for the printer to deposit the material in the desired location. During the printing process, the three-dimensional object is built up by successive stacking of thin layers: this is known as additive manufacturing.