Challenges in Three-Dimensional Printing of Bone Substitutes Publisher Pubmed



Masaeli R¹ ; Zandsalimi K² ; Rasoulianboroujeni M³ ; Tayebi L^{3, 4}
Source: Tissue Engineering - Part B: Reviews Published:2019

Abstract

Hope is that tissue engineering will provide a solution to meet the growing needs for bone substitutes. Among the potential solutions, three-dimensional (3D) printing is a promising method to fabricate functional bone substitutes especially for treatment of complex and critical-sized bone defects. Despite its encouraging achievements, 3D printing of bone substitutes still faces serious challenges including mechanical strength, shape complexity, optimization of pore parameters, and vascularization. The newer approach, that is, 3D bioprinting, is also confronted with challenges, which have prevented the realization of the dream of fabricating functional patient-specific bone substitutes. This article reviews the major challenges toward 3D printing and bioprinting of bone substitutes and recent studies addressing them. Potential solutions for each challenge and future directions are also provided. Copyright © 2019, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.