Modelling, fabrication and evaluation of patient-specific 3D printed poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) implants by Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology.

Background and Research Interests

Neha Sharma is a Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) Surgeon hailing from India, driven by an unwavering passion for seamlessly integrating cutting-edge digital technologies into the realm of clinical practice. With foundation in surgical residency, coupled with a fellowship in Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery, she has endowed a rich repertoire of expertise spanning CMF trauma, reconstructive, and orthognathic surgeries.

Currently, she serves as the Deputy Head of the Swiss Medical Additive Manufacturing Research Group and the 3D Print Lab at University Hospital Basel. Her dedication lies in harnessing the transformative potential of digital technologies, including 3D printing and VR/AR applications, to revolutionize CMF surgery. Her role entails pioneering computer-assisted virtual surgical planning, spearheading biomimetic computational designs, and exploring novel biomaterials that hold promise in the realm of reconstructive surgeries (MIRACLE II Smart Implants).

In 2021, she completed her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Basel, focusing on the fabrication of customized implants using high-performance polymer biomaterial, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) laying a sturdy foundation in research methodologies and unveiling the forefront of point-of-care medical 3D printing. Her work was awarded the prestigious Dirk Schäfer Science Award by the Department of Surgery at University Hospital Basel in 2022.

Driven by a fervor for pushing the boundaries, she fervently engages in clinical research endeavors that redefine the possibilities within CMF surgery. Collaborating across disciplines, she aims to elevate patient care with diverse expertise.