3D Printing for Neural Repair: Bridging the Gap in Regenerative Medicine

Abstract

Neurological disorders impose a substantial global health burden, compounded by the limited regenerative capacity of neural tissues and the absence of curative therapies. 3D bioprinting offers a transformative tool to model, replace, and regenerate neural tissues through the precise spatial organization of cells and biomaterials. In this perspective article, recent advances are examined in: i) the development of in vitro neural platforms for disease modeling and drug screening; ii) bioprinted acellular scaffolds designed to guide endogenous neural repair; and iii) cell-laden constructs that aim to replace or reconstruct damaged neural circuits. Key translational challenges are critically evaluated, including vascularization, immune integration, functional maturation, and replicating the complex cytoarchitectures of native neural tissues. Highlighting representative preclinical studies and emerging biofabrication technologies, we discuss how innovations in biomaterials, scaffold design, stem cell biology, and neuroengineering are converging to overcome existing limitations. Through tailored strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration, 3D bioprinting is poised to redefine therapeutic paradigms and drive the development of next-generation, personalized regenerative therapies for neurological diseases and injuries.

Keywords: biomaterials; bioprinting; neural repair; neurons; neuroscience; regenerative medicine; stem cells.

Figure 1

The evolution of neural models and bioprinting technologies toward future translational applications. 1) Traditional animal models and 2D cell cultures have provided essential insights into neural biology, but are limited in their ability to replicate human‐specific tissue architecture and responses. 2) Organoids and assembloids derived from human pluripotent stem cells offer improved cellular diversity and 3D organization, yet suffer from variability and lack of spatial control. 3) 3D bioprinting and organ‐on‐chip platforms allow for the reproducible fabrication of neural constructs with defined geometry, biomaterial composition, and multicellular arrangements, facilitating more physiologically relevant and functional models. 4) Future directions include the development of personalized neural grafts, innervated engineered tissues, and high‐throughput screening systems, representing a promising path toward clinical translation in neurological disease and repair.

Figure 2

Applications of 3D bioprinting for the nervous system. Bioprinting strategies for the nervous system span three major domains: 1) In vitro models for disease modeling, neurotoxicity screening, and therapeutic testing; 2) acellular scaffolds designed to support endogenous repair through structural guidance and controlled delivery of bioactive cues; and 3) cell‐laden constructs incorporating neural and supporting cells to replace damaged tissue and promote functional regeneration. These approaches offer complementary pathways toward improving our understanding of neurological disorders and developing next‐generation regenerative therapies.