3D Bio-Printing for Regenerative Medicine Applications

A special issue of Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomimetic Design, Constructions and Devices".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2025) | Viewed by 8793

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Biomaterials and Regenerative Biology Division, NYU College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA
2. Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery-NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA
3. Department of Biomedical Engineering-NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY 10010, USA
Interests: biomaterials; bioengineering; additive manufacturing (3D printing)
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Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Interests: biomaterials; additive manufacturing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of additive manufacturing/3D printing is/has been rapidly evolving and with its integration into/with regenerative medicine, it represents a groundbreaking advancement, particularly for the development of resorbable scaffolds. These scaffolds play a crucial role in tissue engineering by providing structural support and facilitating cellular activity necessary for tissue regeneration. Ceramics and polymers, known for their biocompatibility, stability, and ability to successfully integrate with biological tissues, offer unique advantages for creating scaffolds tailored to specific applications/defects.

This Special Issue delves into the latest research and innovations in 3D-printed scaffolds, exploring diverse fabrication techniques, material compositions, and design strategies. This Special Issue aims to highlight the potential of these scaffolds in various regenerative medicine applications, including bone and cartilage repair, as well as their role in overcoming the current challenges in the field. Through a collection of original research articles and reviews, we seek to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research, emerging trends, and future directions, fostering collaboration and inspiring new approaches in the pursuit of effective regenerative therapies.

Dr. Lukasz Witek
Dr. Vasudev Vivekanand Nayak
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • 3D printing scaffolds
  • biofabrication techniques
  • material compositions
  • regenerative medicine

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 4256 KB  
Article
Design Features of a Titanium Mesh for Guided Bone Regeneration and In Vivo Testing in Vitamin D3 Deficiency Condition
by Ekaterina Diachkova, Aglaya Kazumova, Andrei Shamanaev, Liubov Shcherbinina, Alexandr Gulyaev, Yuriy Vasil’ev, Pavel Petruk, Anzhela Brago, Yulianna Enina, Valerii Chilikov, Hadi Darawsheh, Ekaterina Makeeva and Svetlana Tarasenko
Biomimetics 2026, 11(2), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11020091 - 28 Jan 2026
Viewed by 533
Abstract
Prolonged tooth loss causes alveolar ridge atrophy, complicating implantation, especially in patients with impaired mineral metabolism. This study aimed to develop a personalized titanium mesh for guided bone regeneration and qualitatively evaluate its local tissue response in a vitamin D3-deficient rabbit model. A [...] Read more.
Prolonged tooth loss causes alveolar ridge atrophy, complicating implantation, especially in patients with impaired mineral metabolism. This study aimed to develop a personalized titanium mesh for guided bone regeneration and qualitatively evaluate its local tissue response in a vitamin D3-deficient rabbit model. A titanium mesh design has been developed in the form of a plate-shaped profile frame of a truncated pyramid with a solid upper base and perforated side faces. For testing in a rabbit model with vitamin D3 deficiency, a bone defect was created and repaired in the mandible using hydroxyapatite, an individual titanium mesh and a collagen membrane. Histological analysis was performed in the Laboratory of Digital Microscopic Analysis. The optimized geometry and parameters of the mesh openings contributed to effective vascularization and osteogenesis. In the postoperative period (3, 5 and 7 days), moderate edema and hyperemia were noted with their complete leveling by the 7th day (p < 0.05). According to the histological examination, 3 months after the installation of the titanium mesh, the formation of dense connective tissue with signs of active osteogenesis was observed in the defect area, including zones of mineralized bone trabeculae, osteocytes and osteon elements. The findings of this study indicate acceptable biocompatibility of the developed titanium structure and suggest osteoconductive potential, which, however, needs to be confirmed in controlled, quantitatively powered studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Bio-Printing for Regenerative Medicine Applications)
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17 pages, 1792 KB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Printing Parameter Assessment of Elastomers for Tendon Graft Applications
by Trent Lau, Ashley Talwar, Bijan Abar and Samuel B. Adams
Biomimetics 2025, 10(11), 785; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10110785 - 19 Nov 2025
Viewed by 992
Abstract
Additive manufacturing has significantly advanced patient-specific medical devices, particularly for hard tissue repair, yet applications in soft tissue remain limited. Existing approaches for 3D-printed soft tissue devices employ mainly biogels and bioinks for regenerative purposes, while synthetic grafts for tendons and ligaments remain [...] Read more.
Additive manufacturing has significantly advanced patient-specific medical devices, particularly for hard tissue repair, yet applications in soft tissue remain limited. Existing approaches for 3D-printed soft tissue devices employ mainly biogels and bioinks for regenerative purposes, while synthetic grafts for tendons and ligaments remain non-customizable in shape and mechanics. This study investigates the mechanical performance of 3D-printed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers as a function of printing parameters, informing customizable connective tissue graft designs. Type C dogbone specimens (n = 180) of three replicates each of parameter combinations from material shore hardness, presence of anchoring within the lattice, infill patterns, and infill density were printed and tested following modified ASTM D412 standards for vulcanized rubber and elastomers. The measured mechanical properties are elastic modulus, tensile yield stress, yield strain, ultimate tensile strength, and ultimate strain. Results show that shore hardness and infill density are the strongest predictors of mechanical properties, with positive but modest effects from anchor presence. Infill pattern is only significant through interactions, and its effects depend on other parameters. While all groups underperformed compared to manufacturer-reported TPU strengths and were well below in vitro tendon failure loads, findings highlight material selection and density optimization as critical early considerations for future patient-specific elastomeric graft design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Bio-Printing for Regenerative Medicine Applications)
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15 pages, 2908 KB  
Article
Bioinspired Design of Ergonomic Tool Handles Using 3D-Printed Cellular Metamaterials
by Gregor Harih and Vasja Plesec
Biomimetics 2025, 10(8), 519; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10080519 - 8 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2753
Abstract
The design of ergonomic tool handles is crucial for user comfort and performance, yet conventional stiff materials often lead to uneven pressure distribution and discomfort. This study investigates the application of 3D-printed cellular metamaterials with tunable stiffness, specifically gyroid structures, to enhance the [...] Read more.
The design of ergonomic tool handles is crucial for user comfort and performance, yet conventional stiff materials often lead to uneven pressure distribution and discomfort. This study investigates the application of 3D-printed cellular metamaterials with tunable stiffness, specifically gyroid structures, to enhance the ergonomic and haptic properties of tool handles. We employed finite element analysis to simulate finger–handle interactions and conducted subjective comfort evaluations with participants using a foxtail saw with handles of varying gyroid infill densities and a rigid PLA handle. Numerical results demonstrated that handles with medium stiffness significantly reduced peak contact pressures and promoted a more uniform pressure distribution compared to the stiff PLA handle. The softest gyroid handle, while compliant, exhibited excessive deformation, potentially compromising stability. Subjective comfort ratings corroborated these findings, with medium-stiffness handles receiving the highest scores for overall comfort, fit, and force transmission. These results highlight that a plateau-like mechanical response of the 3D-printed cellular metamaterial handle, inversely bioinspired by human soft tissue, effectively balances pressure redistribution and grip stability. This bioinspired design approach offers a promising direction for developing user-centered products that mitigate fatigue and discomfort in force-intensive tasks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Bio-Printing for Regenerative Medicine Applications)
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12 pages, 2351 KB  
Article
Effects of Extrusion Pressure During 3D Printing on Viability of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells in 3D Printed Samples
by Taieba Tuba Rahman, Nathan Wood, Zhijian Pei, Hongmin Qin and Padmini Mohan
Biomimetics 2025, 10(5), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10050297 - 8 May 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1687
Abstract
This study investigates how different levels of extrusion pressure during 3D printing affect the cell viability of human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells embedded in printed samples. In this study, samples were printed at three levels of extrusion pressure. The cell viability was assessed [...] Read more.
This study investigates how different levels of extrusion pressure during 3D printing affect the cell viability of human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells embedded in printed samples. In this study, samples were printed at three levels of extrusion pressure. The cell viability was assessed through live/dead staining via microscopic imaging. The results show that increasing the extrusion pressure from 50 to 100 kPa led to a higher degree of cell death. These results demonstrate how the extrusion pressure affects the viability of HBE cells and provide a basis for future studies on pressure-induced responses in respiratory tissues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Bio-Printing for Regenerative Medicine Applications)
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Review

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29 pages, 3233 KB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review on Bioprinted Graphene-Based Material (GBM)-Enhanced Scaffolds for Nerve Guidance Conduits
by Siheng Su and Jilong Wang
Biomimetics 2025, 10(4), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10040213 - 31 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2186
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) pose significant challenges to recovery, often resulting in impaired function and quality of life. To address these challenges, nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) are being developed as effective strategies to promote nerve regeneration by providing a supportive framework that guides [...] Read more.
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) pose significant challenges to recovery, often resulting in impaired function and quality of life. To address these challenges, nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) are being developed as effective strategies to promote nerve regeneration by providing a supportive framework that guides axonal growth and facilitates reconnection of severed nerves. Among the materials being explored, graphene-based materials (GBMs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their unique properties. Their unique properties—such as high mechanical strength, excellent electrical conductivity, and favorable biocompatibility—make them ideal for applications in nerve repair. The integration of 3D printing technologies further enhances the development of GBM-based NGCs, enabling the creation of scaffolds with complex architectures and precise topographical cues that closely mimic the natural neural environment. This customization significantly increases the potential for successful nerve repair. This review offers a comprehensive overview of properties of GBMs, the principles of 3D printing, and key design strategies for 3D-printed NGCs. Additionally, it discusses future perspectives and research directions that could advance the application of 3D-printed GBMs in nerve regeneration therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Bio-Printing for Regenerative Medicine Applications)
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