Printing New Bones: From Print-and-Implant Devices to Bioprinted Bone Organ Precursors

Abstract

Regenerating large bone defects remains a significant clinical challenge, motivating increased interest in additive manufacturing and 3D bioprinting to engineer superior bone graft substitutes. 3D bioprinting enables different biomaterials, cell types and growth factors to be combined to develop patient-specific implants capable of directing functional bone regeneration. Current approaches to bioprinting such implants fall into one of two categories, each with their own advantages and limitations. Firstly, are those that can be 3D bioprinted and then directly implanted into the body, and secondly those that require further in vitro culture after bioprinting to engineer more mature tissues prior to implantation. This review overviews the key concepts, challenges, and applications of both strategies for regenerating damaged and diseased bone.