Three-Dimensionally Printed Scaffolds and Drug Delivery Systems in Treatment of Osteoporosis

The increasing incidence of osteoporotic fractures determines ongoing research on new methods and strategies for improving the difficult healing process of this type of fracture. Osteoporotic patients suffer from the intense side effects of accustomed drug treatment and its systemic distribution in the body. To overcome these drawbacks, besides searching for new drugs, 3D-printed scaffolds and drug delivery systems have started to be increasingly seen as the main strategy employed against osteoporosis. Three-dimensionally printed scaffolds can be tailored in intricate designs and make use of nanoscale topographical and biochemical cues able to enhance bone tissue regeneration. Research regarding drug delivery systems is exploring bold new ways of targeting bone tissue, making use of designs involving nanoparticles and intricate encapsulation and support methods. The local administration of treatment with the help of a scaffold-based drug delivery system looks like the best option through its use of the advantages of both structures. Biomimetic systems are considered the future norm in the field, while stimuli-responsiveness opens the door for the next level of efficiency, patient compliance, and a drastic reduction in side effects. The successful approval of these products still requires numerous challenges throughout the development and regulatory processes, but the interest and effort in this direction are high. This review explored various strategies for managing osteoporosis, emphasizing the use of scaffolds for targeted drug delivery to bone tissue. Instead of covering the whole subject, we focused on the most important aspects, with the intention to provide an up-to-date and useful introduction to the management of osteoporosis.