3D-printed polymeric biomaterials in bone tissue engineering

Abstract

Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating subunits called monomers, which can be de-rived from both natural sources and synthetic processes. Due to their exceptional physicochemical properties and functional characteristics, polymers have garnered significant attention in the bio-medical field, particularly in tissue engineering. 3D printing technology, a process that manufactures three-dimensional objects by sequentially adding material based on digital models, has been widely recognized for its integration with polymers in bone tissue engineering (BTE). This review provides an overview of 3D-printed polymeric biomaterials in BTE. It begins with a discussion of the fundamental process of bone regeneration, followed by a component's selection for polymers and 3D printing technologies. Additionally, this review comprehensively addresses the functional properties design of 3D-printed polymeric biomaterials. Finally, the current status, challenges, and future directions for the application of 3D-printed polymeric biomaterials in BTE are discussed.

Keywords: 3D printing; biomaterials; bone regeneration; bone tissue engineering; polymers.