Surface Functionalization of 3D-Printed Bio-Inspired Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications: A Review.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a key technology for scaffold fabrication in regenerative medicine.
• Scaffolds, cells, and growth factors are vital for organ regeneration.
• Limitations exist for hard 3D-printed scaffolds due to surface properties affecting cell infiltration and integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest advancements in 3D printing technologies for scaffolds.
• To discuss modifications enhancing scaffold properties for clinical use.
• To align 3D printing development with unmet clinical needs.

Main Methods:

• Review of current 3D printing techniques for scaffold manufacturing.
• Analysis of surface, porosity, and mechanical property modifications.
• Exploration of chemical and material surface modification strategies.

Main Results:

• 3D printing offers effective scaffold manufacturing for tissue engineering.
• Surface properties of scaffolds significantly impact cell recruitment, infiltration, and integration.
• Modifications to surfaces, porosity, and mechanical properties are essential for clinical translation.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing 3D-printed scaffolds is critical for advancing regenerative medicine.
• Surface modifications are key to overcoming limitations in current scaffold technology.
• Future directions focus on tailoring 3D printing for specific clinical applications.