Developing an Ear Prosthesis Fabricated in Polyvinylidene Fluoride by a 3D Printer with Sensory Intrinsic Properties of Pressure and Temperature

Abstract

An ear prosthesis was designed in 3D computer graphics software and fabricated using a 3D printing process of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) for use as a hearing aid. In addition, the prosthesis response to pressure and temperature was observed. Pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties of this ear prosthesis were investigated using an astable multivibrator circuit, as changes in PVDF permittivity were observed according to variations of pressure and temperature. The results show that this prosthesis is reliable for use under different conditions of pressure (0 Pa to 16,350 Pa) and temperature (2 °C to 90 °C). The experimental results show an almost linear and inversely proportional behavior between the stimuli of pressure and temperature with the frequency response. This 3D-printed ear prosthesis is a promising tool and has a great potentiality in the biomedical engineering field because of its ability to generate an electrical potential proportional to pressure and temperature, and it is the first time that such a device has been processed by the additive manufacturing process (3D printing). More work needs to be carried out to improve the performance, such as electrical stimulation of the nervous system, thereby extending the purpose of a prosthesis to the area of sensory perception.

Piezoelectric materials as stimulatory biomedical materials and scaffolds for bone repair

“…3D printed BT [237][238][239], modified KNN [240], PVDF [241,242] and PLLA [243] have recently been fabricated for piezoelectric sensors and functional scaffolds which have limitedly been researched for tissue engineering applications. There are however challenges in processing and formulation of the raw material for printing and inducing piezoelectricity.…”

Three‐dimensional printing: The potential technology widely used in medical fields

“…The characteristics of high customization, strong response, and personalization make 3D printing a great potential in promoting the design and manufacturing of medical devices (Jain, Fuoco, Yassin, Mustafa, & Finne‐Wistrand, 2019; Sheth et al, 2016). 3D printing improves the technological level of rehabilitation equipment manufacturing and makes rehabilitation equipment such as spinal correction, prosthesis (Aranda, Jimenez, Rodriguez, & Varela, 2015), and hearing aid (Suaste‐Gomez, Rodriguez‐Roldan, Reyes‐Cruz, & Teran‐Jimenez, 2016) for patients more accurately and personalized, while traditional machine tools are limited by the processing angle. Besides, aluminum oxide ceramics and other materials prepared by new technologies in recent years have good mechanical properties and are suitable for printing medical devices.…”

Additive manufacturing in medical sciences: past, present and the future

“…Apart from creating custom anatomical models, AM has also found application in auricular reconstruction with a highly realistic 3D printed auricular prosthesis and hearing aids. 33,34 Others are championing the use of AM in craniofacial reconstruction and managing the paediatric airway in severe tracheobronchomalacia. 35,36 OTHER FIELDS AM has become the most sought research field in various other medical sciences like cardiothoracic surgery, urology, plastic surgery, gastrointestinal surgery and dentistry etc.…”