3D bioprinting of tissues and organs for systemic diseases and localized injuries

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Authors: W. Kee Ng, Paulo Bartolo
Cited by: 4
References: 220

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting integrates engineering, materials science, and biology to fabricate living tissues with precise spatial control. By enabling the layer-by-layer deposition of cells and biomaterials, it overcomes many limitations of traditional scaffold-based tissue engineering and offers new opportunities for regenerative and personalized medicine. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent advances in 3D bioprinting. It introduces a systematic, ASTM-aligned classification of key bioprinting modalities, extrusion, jetting, and vat photopolymerization, along with their respective material and biological design requirements. It also summarizes recent progress in bio-ink development and crosslinking strategies that improve print fidelity and functional tissue maturation. In addition, the review highlights applications in both systemic disease modelling and treatment (such as cardiovascular, endocrine/metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders) and localized tissue repair (including skin, musculoskeletal, cartilage, and bone), emphasizing their relevance to civilian healthcare and military medicine. By combining technological innovation, biological insights, and regulatory considerations, this review outlines how advances in multi-modal bioprinting and intelligent process control can accelerate the translation of laboratory research into clinically viable, patient-specific therapies, driving the next generation of regenerative medicine.

Fields of Study & Subjects

3D Printing in Biomedical Research Cellular Mechanics and Interactions Soft Robotics and Applications

Publication details

Journal / source
Military Medical Research
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
13
Issue
1
Pages
100006–100006
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN