A comprehensive review of 3D printing techniques for biomaterial-based scaffold fabrication in bone tissue engineering

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is developing as a dominant tool for biomedical engineering by supporting 3D cell culture within compound 3D biomimetic buildings. Biomaterial and Tissue engineering has developed as a favorable alternative method in the treatment of bones, teeth, and organs. This paper summarizes the current research status and attention of the 3D biomaterials scaffolds in bone tissue engineering applications. Several 3D scaffolds fabricated from several types of biodegradable materials have been established. The crucial topics of 3D printing techniques are recognized and deliberated with the future improvement of innovative biomaterials. There has been a prompt development in the applications of 3D printing in engineering customized implants, drug delivery devices, prostheses, and 3D scaffolds for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Medical 3D printing technologies are classified into the following categories: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Extrusion-based 3D bioprinting, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)/Selective Laser melting (SLM), Electron Beam Manufacturing (EBM), Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) printing techniques, and their clinical applications, different types of biomaterials currently used by researchers, and key limitations are discussed in detail. In Addition, the most advanced and commonly used metals, bioceramics, polymers, and composites in tissue engineering are briefly reviewed as well.