Three-dimensional plotting is a versatile rapid prototyping method for the customized manufacturing of complex scaffolds and tissue engineering constructs.

OBJECTIVE

To review recent literature on three-dimensional (3-D) plotting as a rapid prototyping method for the manufacturing of patient specific biomaterial scaffolds and tissue engineering constructs.

METHODS

Literature review and description of own recent work.

RESULTS

In contrast to many other rapid prototyping technologies which can be used only for the processing of distinct materials, 3-D plotting can be utilized for all pasty biomaterials and therefore opens up many new options for the manufacturing of bi- or multiphasic scaffolds or even tissue engineering constructs, containing e. g. living cells.

CONCLUSION

3-D plotting is a rapid prototyping technology of growing importance which provides flexibility concerning choice of material and allows integration of sensitive biological components.