High-resolution vat-photopolymerization of personalized bioceramic implants: new advances, regulatory hurdles, and key recommendations

ABSTRACT

Bioceramics are in high demand due to their biocompatibility and bone-regenerative properties, representing a multibillion-dollar industry with orthopaedic and dental implant applications. However, traditional manufacturing methods have limitations in producing complex geometries tailored to match patient-specific bone defects. Vat-photopolymerization 3D printing has emerged as a precise and high-resolution technique to fabricate complex bioceramic parts, generating strong, ultralight, energy-absorbing, and tough materials. Despite their promise, the clinical translation of 3D-printed bioceramic implants is hampered by regulatory and reimbursement hurdles. This review analyses recent advances in vat-photopolymerization printing of bioceramics, highlighting the technical challenges and the potential of nanoscale printing to enhance the mechanical and biological functions of implants. The review also provides recommendations for regulatory frameworks, envisioning a future with the successful clinical translation of advanced 3D architectures.

KEYWORDS:

• Stereolithography
• vat-photopolymerization
• bioceramics
• scaffolds
• two-photon polymerization
• 3D printing
• bone tissue engineering
• additive manufacturing

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the Australia National Health and Medical Research Council and the Australian Research Council. Authors would like to thank Prof. Colin Dunstan for his contribution and insight in preparation of this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).