3D Printing for Tissue Engineering: Printing Techniques, Biomaterials, Challenges, and the Emerging Role of 4D Bioprinting

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Organ failure constitutes a significant global concern requiring urgent attention. While organ transplantation offers prospective treatment, it remains suboptimal. The scarcity of donor organs and the need for lifelong immunosuppressive treatments highlight the necessity for innovative approaches in regenerative medicine. In response, tissue engineering has emerged as a promising alternative, particularly through advancements in three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) printing technologies. These approaches enable the fabrication of complex, patient-specific constructs for regenerating tissues such as skin, bone, cartilage, and vascularized organs. This review systematically examines 3D printing techniques, commonly used biomaterials (e.g., hydrogels, bio-inks, and polymers), and their applications in dermal, cardiovascular, bone, and neural regeneration. In addition to discussing 3D technology, an introduction to 4D bioprinting is provided, enabling advanced biomedical applications and establishing itself as an innovative tool that enhances the classic approach to 3D bioprinting in the context of regenerative medicine. Finally, key challenges and ethical considerations are discussed to provide a comprehensive perspective on the current state and future of printed scaffolds in regenerative medicine.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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