Bioprinting and Biocompatible Materials – Re-defining a New Era of Applications With 3D Printing
By National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster featuring: - Dr Lim Yujing, CEO & CTO, Osteopore, PhD (BioEngineering, NTU) - Mr Linhan Wu, Principal (Education and Community), Hyperganic, Bachelor (Communications and Information, NTU) - Mr Lim Woon Yong, Research Engineer, AM.NUS, Bachelor (Engineering, NTU)

Dear Students,

Advances in 3D printing techniques and materials research have enabled physicians, clinicians, surgeons, and scientists to develop new treatment strategies and medical devices for biomedical applications. These advancements in 3D printing have introduced us to a new branch of medical therapy, Regenerative Medicine.

In this edition, we are focusing on Bioprinting and Biocompatible materials. Bioprinting technologies and biocompatible materials have enabled researchers and clinicians to develop biocompatible implants, scaffolds, organoids, prosthetics for biomedical applications. Let us explore the latest developments from promising Singapore-based MedTech enterprises that are redefining a new era of Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering.

Osteopore (ASX: OSX)

A Global Leader in Regenerative Medicine Solutions

Integrating the science of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine with 3D printing technologies to design, develop and manufacture implantable devices – Osteopore (ASX: OSX) is a Singapore-based medical technology enterprise specialising in providing Regenerative Solutions for biomedical applications.

Helmed by Dr Lim Yujing, CEO & CTO, Osteopore (PhD. NTU) and his team, Dr Lim will share how he got started on this journey of running a medical technology corporation.

The implant market of the medical device industry is vibrant, dynamic, and driven by a constant influx of surgical innovations designed to augment clinical outcomes and patient experience. Osteopore is a pioneer in the area of regenerative bone healing by 3D microstructures. Our deep understanding of how bone heals have enabled us to design, 3D print, and commercialise bioresorbable bone implants that make a difference in clinical outcomes and patient experience. With the support of specialist surgeons working in craniofacial reconstruction and augmentation, Osteopore has achieved more than 100,000 implants in patients, demonstrating safety and effectiveness for more than 15 years.	As we continue to grow, we strengthen our understanding and develop solutions for other tissue reconstruction needs such as cartilage and tendon. In addition, we continue to expand our clinical applications beyond the craniofacial; going into rhinoplasty, dental, and orthopaedics. Working in this exciting field requires a broad-based understanding from several academic disciplines, including engineering, the sciences, and medicine. While classroom learning provides a foundational knowledge, continuous experiential learning through research, experimentation, commercialisation is equally important. Gaining experience through internships and part-time jobs is highly beneficial. Additionally, opportunities to work with research groups focused on tissue regeneration should be considered.	In research, it is important to identify clinical needs to guide the development of appropriate solutions – this can often be achieved by working with specialist surgeons who can better identify and describe the clinical challenges that they face. We look forward to the next innovation! Author: Dr Lim Yujing, CEO & CTO of Osteopore (ASX: OSX). Dr Lim holds a Masters of Engineering from NUS and PhD (Bioengineering) from NTU. He has more than 10 years of research experience in Tissue Engineering and published extensively in internationally peer-reviewed journals. Photos sources: https://www.osteopore.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/yujing-lim-19b40046/

Revolutionising Hip Joint Implants with Advanced Lattice Design for Optimal Osseointegration and Weight Reduction
By Linhan Wu, Principal, (Education and Community), Hyperganic; Bachelor of Communications and Information (NTU)

The Challenge: The primary challenge in hip implant design is optimising structural integrity and weight to improve both longevity and comfort for the patient, while also ensuring rapid osseointegration. Conventional design workflows are not only time-consuming but also limited in their ability to iterate quickly and explore a wide range of design configurations. Our Approach: Leveraging Hyperganic Core, our team employed a novel approach that integrates quasi-meshless simulation with algorithmic engineering. This method allows for the automatic generation and evaluation of complex lattice structures within the implant. We adopted a Grow-as-you-go workflow, which utilises a feedback loop to refine the implant design iteratively based on simulated performance data. Stochastic Lattice Optimisation: The stem of the hip joint implant was designed using a stochastic lattice structure. The algorithm calculated optimal beam thickness by simulating the stresses the implant would experience under typical loading conditions. This ensured the implant was strong where necessary but not excessively heavy.

Topology Optimisation: The design process incorporated advanced topology optimisation to minimise material use, while maintaining essential structural properties. This approach adjusted the density and orientation of the lattice beams dynamically, aligning the material distribution closely with stress distribution patterns. Solution: The integration of Hyperganic Core's capabilities transformed the design process. Performance-driven Design Iteration: Each design iteration was informed by previous simulation results, allowing the implant to evolve towards an optimal structure. This method reflects natural evolutionary processes, where iterative trials refine biological structures for improved performance. Reduced Design Time: The new workflow significantly cut down the design cycle time. What traditionally took months in iterative testing and redesign could now be accomplished in weeks, with each iteration taking place in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods.

Enhanced Implant Performance: The final implant design achieved a balance of reduced weight and increased durability. The optimised lattice structure provided superior load-bearing capabilities and improved integration with bone tissue, promising a higher success rate in clinical applications. Conclusion: The application of Hyperganic Core’s algorithmic design and quasi-meshless simulation marked a significant advancement in the field of medical implants. This case study not only demonstrates the potential for sophisticated digital tools to enhance medical device design but also sets a new standard for the rapid development of customised implants that better meet the needs of patients. Author: Linhan is Principal (Education and Community) at Hyperganic, a German-Singapore physics-driven engineering software startup, where he champions technical marketing, communications, and developer relations. With experience in innovation management, deeptech venture building, and education technology, Linhan is a multi-disciplinary communicator who harnesses the power of business and design to build a better tomorrow. Source: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wu-linhan/

Ideation to Reality: Development of a novel 3D printed Titanium Alloy 6-4 Hip Implant
By: Lim Woon Yong, Research Engineer, AM.NUS (under guidance of Prof Sing Swee Leong, NUS) Bachelor of Engineering (NTU)

Woon Yong's inspiration journey began when he was an undergraduate in NTU School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with a simple yet profound question: How can we lighten the part weight without compromising the mechanical properties? Fueled by curiosity and a desire to make a meaningful impact, he set out on a path that would lead him to the forefront of orthopedic prothesis design. Recognising the potential of additive manufacturing and advanced materials, Woon Yong envisioned to develop an intricate hip implant that combined strength, durability, and biocompatibility.

With years of experience in researching the uses of titanium alloy in biomedical applications and a passion for pushing the boundaries of medical device innovation, Prof. Sing Swee Leong provided Woon Yong the wisdom and direction needed to navigate the complexities of hip implant design. Under his mentorship, Woon Yong gained insights into further development of the hip implant by using Hyperganic simulation, Materialise Magics software, and 3D printing as fabrication method. Titanium alloy 6-4 was chosen as the choice material due to its desirable properties such as biocompatibility, high corrosion resistance and high stress tolerance.

Woon Yong redesigned the femoral head joint from solid to open lattice structure, added a shell to convert the solid sphere to hollow structure. Materialise Magics software was used as a final finishing touch to generate the open lattices.

Finally, Woon Yong printed the hip implant using Renishaw Ren500M (housed in AM.NUS) which abides by ISO13485 medical devices standards. ISO 13485 served as Woon Yong guiding framework, ensuring that every aspect of the project – from design and development to manufacturing and post-processing – adhered to the highest standards.

3D printed cross section of the sphere (femoral head)	Selected sectional view of femoral head (Materialise Magics View)	Final 3D printed titanium alloy hip implant

Author: Lim Woon Yong is currently serving as a Research Engineer in AM.NUS. He is an alumni of NTU, holds a Bachelor of Engineering (NTU) and obtained ASTM Professional Certificate Course in AM. Woon Yong had 6 years of research experience in development of biomedical devices, Additive Manufacturing, Metallurgy and Engineering Design in local research institutions. Source: https://www.linkedin.com/in/woon-yong-lim-984b5a158/

If you are interested in additive manufacturing, now is an exciting time to explore a career in this dynamic field. You too, could be part of these groundbreaking changes that impacts patient care and technological advancements.

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