Tissue regeneration and drug delivery using 3D-printed alginate/graphene scaffolds: A mini review

The integration of graphene-based nanomaterials into alginate hydrogels has significantly advanced the design of bioactive scaffolds for tissue regeneration and localized drug delivery. Recent studies demonstrate that the combination of alginate with graphene oxide or reduced graphene oxide enhances mechanical stability, electrical conductivity, antimicrobial activity, and cellular interactions, addressing several limitations of traditional biopolymer scaffolds. Moreover, three-dimensional bioprinting enables precise control of architecture, porosity, and spatial drug distribution, providing customized constructs tailored to different tissue types. This review focuses on controlled drug delivery and tissue-specific regenerative responses. Widely accepted mechanisms such as reactive oxygen species modulation, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma activation, improved extracellular matrix mimicry, and reinforcement of cellular adhesion are highlighted. We also identify current limitations, including nanoparticle agglomeration, dose-dependent cytotoxicity, variability in bioink rheology, and lack of long-term in vivo evaluation. Special emphasis is given to 15-deoxy-Δ 12,14 -prostaglandin J 2 , detailing its mechanism of action, dose–response characteristics, anti-inflammatory activity, and contribution to wound healing when incorporated into graphene–alginate scaffolds. Overall, recent advances indicate strong potential for clinical translation, but critical challenges—particularly biosafety, standardization of bioinks, and scaling of manufacturing must be addressed. Future perspectives and research directions are proposed.