Research progress of 3D-printed PLGA scaffolds for the treatment of bone defects

With rapid advances in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds have garnered extensive attention owing to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Current studies primarily focus on material selection and scaffold preparation, printing techniques, and their efficacy in animal experiments and clinical applications. While several studies have demonstrated the potential of PLGA scaffolds in promoting bone regeneration, challenges remain, including insufficient mechanical properties, a mismatch between degradation rates and bone repair rates, limited long-term clinical data, and the need for improved hydrophilicity and cytocompatibility. Additionally, issues such as limited printing precision and resolution persist. Therefore, innovating material synthesis and processing technologies, as well as developing high-precision, fast-printing techniques, holds significant implications. This paper aims to analyze and summarize the application of 3D printing technology, the properties of PLGA, research on PLGA composites incorporating drugs, inorganic materials, and organic materials, as well as the design and fabrication of 3D-printed PLGA scaffolds. The aim is to review recent research progress in the use of 3D-printed PLGA scaffolds for bone defect repair, assess their potential for bone regeneration, and explore future development directions.