Current Biomedical Applications of 3D-Printed Hydrogels.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Additive Manufacturing
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) printing, or additive manufacturing, transforms digital models into physical objects layer by layer.
• Hydrogels are advanced biomaterials ideal for 3D printing hydrated constructs mimicking native tissue extracellular matrices.
• Significant progress has been made in hydrogel applications beyond initial uses like contact lenses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advancements and applications of hydrogels in 3D printing.
• To categorize the diverse biomedical uses of 3D-printed hydrogel constructs.
• To identify current challenges hindering the full potential of hydrogel-based 3D printing.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of common 3D printing techniques for hydrogel scaffold fabrication, including material extrusion, material jetting, and vat photopolymerization.
• Discussion of emerging novel methods for enhanced resolution and structural complexity.
• Classification of biomedical applications into tissue engineering, cell culture, drug screening, and drug delivery systems.

Main Results:

• 3D-printed hydrogel constructs incorporate diverse organic, inorganic, cellular, and bioactive components.
• Biomedical applications span tissue engineering, disease modeling, drug screening, and advanced drug delivery systems.
• Established 3D printing methods and novel techniques are utilized for hydrogel fabrication.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogels are versatile materials for 3D printing complex biomedical constructs.
• Key challenges remain, including enhancing resolution, ensuring cell viability, improving cost-effectiveness, and navigating regulatory pathways.
• Further research is needed to fully realize the clinical translation of 3D-printed hydrogel technologies.