Biodegradable Polymers for 3D Printing of Tissue Engineering Scaffolds: Challenges and Future Directions

Tissue engineering holds great promise for tissue regeneration and organ replacement. The integration of biodegradable polymers with 3D printing has revolutionized scaffold fabrication, enabling precise control over architecture and functionality. This review explores the current status and future potential of biodegradable polymers in 3D printed tissue engineering scaffolds, highlighting their fascinating properties, such as tunable mechanics and biocompatibility. We discuss various 3D printing techniques and their benefits and limitations for tissue engineering applications. Current advancements in bone, cartilage, and organ tissue engineering showcase the potential of 3D printed personalized approaches. Addressing challenges in scaffold resolution, material properties, vascularization, and scalability requires innovative solutions, including multi-functional scaffolds and bioprinting. This transformative review envisions a future driven by biodegradable polymers and 3D printing, revolutionizing regenerative medicine and offering hope to patients in need of tissue repair and regeneration.