3D Bioprinting in Tissue Engineering for Medical Applications: The Classic and the Hybrid

Overview

Journal Polymers (Basel)

Publisher MDPI

Date 2020 Aug 6

PMID 32751797

Citations 33

Authors

Zelong Xie

Ming Gao

Anderson O Lobo

Thomas J Webster

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, as one of the most popular recent additive manufacturing processes, has shown strong potential for the fabrication of biostructures in the field of tissue engineering, most notably for bones, orthopedic tissues, and associated organs. Desirable biological, structural, and mechanical properties can be achieved for 3D-printed constructs with a proper selection of biomaterials and compatible bioprinting methods, possibly even while combining additive and conventional manufacturing (AM and CM) procedures. However, challenges remain in the need for improved printing resolution (especially at the nanometer level), speed, and biomaterial compatibilities, and a broader range of suitable 3D-printed materials. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the development of 3D bioprinting techniques, particularly new hybrid 3D bioprinting technologies for combining the strengths of both AM and CM, along with a comprehensive set of material selection principles, promising medical applications, and limitations and future prospects.

Citing Articles

Advances in growth factor-containing 3D printed scaffolds in orthopedics.

Zhan L, Zhou Y, Liu R, Sun R, Li Y, Tian Y Biomed Eng Online. 2025; 24(1):14.

PMID: 39920740 PMC: 11806769. DOI: 10.1186/s12938-025-01346-z.

Three-Dimensional Printing/Bioprinting and Cellular Therapies for Regenerative Medicine: Current Advances.

Sousa A, Alvites R, Lopes B, Sousa P, Moreira A, Coelho A J Funct Biomater. 2025; 16(1).

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Bioprinting and Intellectual Property: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Road Ahead.

Kantaros A, Ganetsos T, Petrescu F, Alysandratou E Bioengineering (Basel). 2025; 12(1).

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Commercially available bioinks and state-of-the-art lab-made formulations for bone tissue engineering: A comprehensive review.

Chiticaru E, Ionita M Mater Today Bio. 2024; 29:101341.

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Advancements in 3D skin bioprinting: processes, bioinks, applications and sensor integration.

Derman I, Rivera T, Garriga Cerda L, Singh Y, Saini S, Abaci H Int J Extrem Manuf. 2024; 7(1):012009.

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