## 4 Discussion
Thus, the overall performance characteristics from the optimization of support structure designs and support removal strategies indicate that the incorporation of a line support followed by ECP is one of the most feasible ways to achieve the near-net-shape manufacturing of filigree components such as aortic stents through L-PBF. The majority of previous and ongoing L-PBF research initiatives focus on the near-net-shape fabrication of solid components with complicated geometries [42]. The design flexibility provided by L-PBF has sparked renewed interest in manufacturing lattice structures, including auxetic structures with a negative Poisson's ratio [27; 28]. To separate the supports from solid components, electrical discharge machining, also known as wire cutting, is extensively utilized [43]. Fabricated components, which are typically heavier than the support structures incorporated, allow for optimal component retention following support removal. Size effects can cause additional challenges when an established method such as wire cutting used for solid components is attempted for removing support structures from filigree structures. A critical challenge here in fabricating overhanging features for the lattice and auxetic structures similar to aortic stents is the design of an optimal support structure allowing sufficient stability during manufacturing. In addition to this, the support structures need to be manufactured in the shortest possible time with the lowest material consumption. Even though support structure optimization has been investigated in detail by many researchers [12; 33; 32], specific investigations on the influence of support structure removal strategies had not been carried out in L-PBF research until now. Instead, the focus was mostly on improving the surface properties of the final components in achieving the required surface roughness specifications [44; 45]. This was mostly attributed to the difficulties involved in dealing with miniature-sized specimen geometries. In addition, approaching the support structure design optimization and support removal strategies as separate challenges can further complicate the research problem and prevent researchers from obtaining a feasible solution. Therefore, the integrative experimental approach followed in the present study appears to be a precise methodology for realizing the near-net-shape manufacturing of filigree structures such as aortic stents. Sustainable manufacturing technologies such as bio-machining offer a promising route to achieve the surface finishing requirements of a filigree structure such as the stent geometry investigated in the present study. [PERSON] et al. [46] reported the successful material removal of pure copper using extremophile bacteria. The authors also reported that the final surface quality can be tailored using the concentration of bacteria. The authors also proposed reliable methodologies to machine complex geometries similar to stents using the same sustainable concept. Future investigations are planned using these biomachining concepts to realize the stringent requirements of biomedical applications using sustainable and environmentally friendly methods.