Purpose: Three-dimensional printing of acrylic-based medical devices is projected to grow exponentially despite the limitations of photopolymerization and the lack of information on the clinical performance of the materials. The purpose of this paper is to address an issue of critical importance in the translation of the three-dimensionally printed structures to the clinic, which is assessing the toxicity of the polymers and their precursors.

Design/methodology/approach: This review highlights the different manufacturing processes, challenges and novel experimental work including the zebrafish embryo model, which offers a potential method for toxicity profiling of biomedical photopolymers and their precursors due to its high genetic similarity to humans.

Findings: Materials information and experimental data available so far suggest that there is a need for regular and rigorous evaluation of new materials to establish their safety and protect users engaging in biomedically-related printing activities.

Originality/value: The review identifies stringent, contemporary and cost-effective analytical methods for assessing the safety of biomedical photopolymers and their precursors.