Three-Dimensional-Printable Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration

A special issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983). This special issue belongs to the section "Bone Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 4713

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Metallic Materials Science and Physical Metallurgy, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: sustainable biomaterials; biomedical applications; bone regeneration; bone substitutes; biocompatible materials synthesis; composites; nanomaterials; bioceramics; biogenic calcium phosphates; hydroxyapatite; additive manufacturing; 3D printing; printable antimicrobial biomaterials; biomedical applications of additive manufacturing; materials characterization and testing
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of an efficient regenerative approach for the restoration of diseased, traumatized, or damaged parts of the natural bone to their initial anatomical, physiological, and functional state has constituted, for at least the last decade, huge potential in the biomedical field. In the quest of developing innovative and modern biomaterials for mature bone regeneration applications, additive manufacturing and 3D printing techniques are desired to address compelling and stringent issues related to the final customization of bone-like products. The modification and improvement of commonly used materials or raw resources for 3D printers leads to a continuous and necessary rush for new developments and possibilities in the area of rapid fabrication of complex products with augmented features.

Through this Special Issue, distinguished researchers are emboldened to publish and promote original and innovative scientific studies carried out on dedicated biomaterials with printable features for bone regeneration using the latest technological advancements in the 3D printing field.

It is my pleasure to invite all of you to submit manuscripts for inclusion in the Special Issue entitled “Three-Dimensional-Printable Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration”. Research articles and review papers are welcomed.

Dr. Aura-Catalina Mocanu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Biomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomaterials
  • printable features
  • 3D printing
  • bone regeneration
  • bone substitutes
  • customized products

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 8541 KB  
Article
The Impact of Post-Printing Hydration in NaCl Solution on the Properties of Binder Jet 3D-Printed Calcium Sulfate and Its Converted Hydroxyapatite
by Faungchat Thammarakcharoen, Autcharaporn Srion, Waraporn Suvannapruk, Wiroj Limtrakarn and Jintamai Suwanprateeb
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(12), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16120455 - 8 Dec 2025
Viewed by 136
Abstract
Binder jet 3D printing of calcium sulfate-based materials combined with phase transformation offers a versatile route for fabricating customized bone grafts; however, controlling the transformation process remains a key challenge. This study investigates the effect of post-printing hydration in sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions [...] Read more.
Binder jet 3D printing of calcium sulfate-based materials combined with phase transformation offers a versatile route for fabricating customized bone grafts; however, controlling the transformation process remains a key challenge. This study investigates the effect of post-printing hydration in sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions on the phase transformation, dimension, and compressive properties of binder jet-printed calcium sulfate (3DPCaS) toward hydroxyapatite (3DPHA) formation. The as-printed 3DPCaS primarily consisted of bassanite with minor gypsum, which progressively transformed into gypsum upon immersion in NaCl solutions of varying concentrations (1–5 M) and durations (2–30 min). Increased immersion time and moderate NaCl concentrations (2–4 M) promoted gypsum formation without inducing dimensional instability. Subsequent transformation in phosphate solution produced 3DPHA with high hydroxyapatite (HA) purity, reaching 100% conversion. Microstructural analysis revealed recrystallized, plate-like gypsum crystals that served as favorable templates for HA nucleation. The resulting 3DPHA exhibited enhanced specific modulus (up to 274.9 MPa.m3/kg) and specific strength (up to 7.5 MPa.m3/kg). The optimal condition, immersion in 4 M NaCl solution for 30 min, achieved a balance between complete HA transformation, mechanical enhancement, and dimensional stability. Controlled ionic hydration thus represents a simple, low-cost, and effective strategy for improving properties of 3DPHA bone grafts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Three-Dimensional-Printable Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration)
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16 pages, 3306 KB  
Article
Optimisation of 3D Printing Parameters and Surface Modification for Porous Gyroid Structures in Beta Titanium Alloy Ti25Nb4Ta8Sn
by Zdeněk Tolde, Aleš Jíra, Jitřenka Jírů, Vojtěch Hybášek, Vojtěch Smola and Petr Vlčák
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(11), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16110416 - 7 Nov 2025
Viewed by 860
Abstract
In recent years, 3D printing has become a key technology for producing intricate geometries with high precision. Beta titanium alloys (β-Ti), due to their excellent combination of strength, ductility, low elastic modulus, and biocompatibility, are widely used in the aerospace and medical industries. [...] Read more.
In recent years, 3D printing has become a key technology for producing intricate geometries with high precision. Beta titanium alloys (β-Ti), due to their excellent combination of strength, ductility, low elastic modulus, and biocompatibility, are widely used in the aerospace and medical industries. However, the unique microstructure formed during additive manufacturing characterised by porosity, residual stress, and anisotropy can significantly influence the mechanical performance and durability of these materials. This study examines how different printing parameters affect porosity, dimensional stability, and mechanical properties in the β-Ti alloy Ti25Nb4Ta8Sn. The investigation focuses on thin-walled samples and gyroid structures, which represent model geometries for porous biomedical components. These structures, defined by a periodic network of interconnected channels, provide a useful platform for studying the relationship between geometry and mechanical response. In addition, the effects of surface etching on the morphology and compressive behaviour of printed gyroid structures were evaluated. Compression testing was used to determine how etching alters load-bearing performance and to identify correlations between surface modification and mechanical response. The combined analysis enables optimisation of both printing and post-processing parameters for advanced biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Three-Dimensional-Printable Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration)
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Review

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36 pages, 3511 KB  
Review
Three-Dimensional Bioprinting for Intervertebral Disc Regeneration
by Md Amit Hasan Tanvir, Md Abdul Khaleque, Junhee Lee, Jong-Beom Park, Ga-Hyun Kim, Hwan-Hee Lee and Young-Yul Kim
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(3), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16030105 - 14 Mar 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2704
Abstract
The rising demand for organ transplants and the need for precise tissue models have positioned the in vitro biomanufacturing of tissues and organs as a pivotal area in regenerative treatment. Considerable development has been achieved in growing tissue-engineered intervertebral disc (IVD) scaffolds, designed [...] Read more.
The rising demand for organ transplants and the need for precise tissue models have positioned the in vitro biomanufacturing of tissues and organs as a pivotal area in regenerative treatment. Considerable development has been achieved in growing tissue-engineered intervertebral disc (IVD) scaffolds, designed to meet stringent mechanical and biological compatibility criteria. Among the cutting-edge approaches, 3D bioprinting stands out due to its unparalleled capacity to organize biomaterials, bioactive molecules, and living cells with high precision. Despite these advancements, polymer-based scaffolds still encounter limitations in replicating the extracellular matrix (ECM)-like environment, which is fundamental for optimal cellular activities. To overcome these challenges, integrating polymers with hydrogels has been recommended as a promising solution. This combination enables the advancement of porous scaffolds that nurture cell adhesion, proliferation, as well as differentiation. Additionally, bioinks derived from the decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) have exhibited potential in replicating biologically relevant microenvironments, enhancing cell viability, differentiation, and motility. Hydrogels, whether derived from natural sources involving collagen and alginate or synthesized chemically, are highly valued for their ECM-like properties and superior biocompatibility. This review will explore recent advancements in techniques and technologies for IVD regeneration. Emphasis will be placed on identifying research gaps and proposing strategies to bridge them, with the goal of accelerating the translation of IVDs into clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Three-Dimensional-Printable Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration)
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