Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

3D Printed Silicone Meniscus Implants: Influence of the 3D Printing Process on Properties of Silicone Implants

Luis, Eric; Pan, HM; Pan, Houwen Matthew; Bajpai, Ram; Bastola, Anil Kumar; Bastola, AK; Sing, SL; Sing, Swee Leong; Song, Juha; Yeong, WY; Yeong, Wai Yee

3D Printed Silicone Meniscus Implants: Influence of the 3D Printing Process on Properties of Silicone Implants Thumbnail


Authors

Eric Luis

HM Pan

Houwen Matthew Pan

Anil Kumar Bastola

AK Bastola

SL Sing

Swee Leong Sing

Juha Song

WY Yeong

Wai Yee Yeong



Abstract

Osteoarthritis of the knee with meniscal pathologies is a severe meniscal pathology suffered by the aging population worldwide. However, conventional meniscal substitutes are not 3D-printable and lack the customizability of 3D printed implants and are not mechanically robust enough for human implantation. Similarly, 3D printed hydrogel scaffolds suffer from drawbacks of being mechanically weak and as a result patients are unable to execute immediate post-surgical weight-bearing ambulation and rehabilitation. To solve this problem, we have developed a 3D silicone meniscus implant which is (1) cytocompatible, (2) resistant to cyclic loading and mechanically similar to native meniscus, and (3) directly 3D printable. The main focus of this study is to determine whether the purity, composition, structure, dimensions and mechanical properties of silicone implants are affected by the use of a custom-made in-house 3D-printer. We have used the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) absorption test, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, surface profilometry, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to effectively assess and compare material properties between molded and 3D printed silicone samples.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Sep 8, 2020
Online Publication Date Sep 18, 2020
Publication Date Sep 18, 2020
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Polymers
Publisher MDPI
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 12
Issue 9
Article Number 2136
DOI https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12092136
Keywords additive manufacturing; 3D printing; silicone; meniscus implants; validation
Publisher URL https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/12/9/2136