Polylactic Acid Based Biocomposite for 3D Printing: A review

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology facilitates the direct creation of intricate objects from computer-aided digital designs. This method offers an efficient means to integrate all essential components by leveraging biomaterials, advanced printing techniques, and innovative cell delivery methods. As 3D printing becomes increasingly prevalent in research, commercial, and domestic spheres, the demand for high-quality polymer filaments continues to rise. Biopolymers, which are widely accessible, low- or nontoxic, biodegradable, biocompatible, chemically versatile, and inherently useful, hold significant potential for diverse applications including biomedicine, food, textiles, and cosmetics. Recent studies have examined the 3D printing of polylactic acid (PLA) using biopolymers such as cellulose, lignin, chitosan, starch, collagen, and gelatin. These biodegradable composites outperform non-biodegradable counterparts in various applications, enhance the properties of PLA, and offer environmental benefits. Thus, a thorough understanding of the 3D printing process for these biocomposites is essential for their production. This review classifies PLA/biopolymer 3D printing materials, details the materials and processing technologies, and discusses their applications. Furthermore, it explores the roles and characteristics of specific filler materials in PLA-based biocomposites and their effects as fillers.