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Three-Dimensional Printing and Biomaterials for Medical Applications
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Three-Dimensional Printing and Biomaterials for Medical Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 6433

Editors

Dr. Santosh Kumar Parupelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Engineering, North Carolina A & T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
Interests: additive manufacturing; biomaterials; artificial intelligence; tissue engineering; 3D printing; integrated micro-/biomanufacturing
Dr. Salil Desai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Engineering, North Carolina A & T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
Interests: hybrid nano-/micro- and biomanufacturing; regenerative tissue engineering and drug delivery; multiscale and multiphysics modeling; combinatorial additive manufacturing; digital smart manufacturing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, titled ‘Three-dimensional Printing and Biomaterials for Medical Applications’, welcomes original research articles, reviews, and communications and that highlight both experimental and computational approaches. Key emphasis is on novel biomaterials, scaffold-based tissue engineering, and regeneration medicine. The next decade is expected to see a tremendous revolution in 3D bioprinting medicine through the integration of advanced biomaterials, regenerative biology, and artificial intelligence (AI). The integration of 3D printing with advanced biomaterials is revolutionizing the landscape of biomedical applications, enabling the evolution of customized, biocompatible, and functional tissue constructs and medical devices. The role of nanomaterials, composite, and ceramic-enhanced formulations are crucial in tissue engineering applications. In physiological environments, the physicochemical characteristics of these materials such as porosity, surface chemistry, and degradation profile play a pivotal role in determining their performance and biocompatibility.

This Special Issue serves as a multidisciplinary platform that brings together experts from bioengineering, material science, computer science, and clinical research, offering integrated perspectives that go beyond proof-of-concept to include reproducibility, scalability, and long-term functionality. The primary focus is on how the amalgamation of advanced biomaterials and 3D printing is transforming diagnostics, therapeutics, prosthetics, and regenerative medicine. This Special Issue aims to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge research for 3D printing and biomaterials for personalized, smart medical solutions through the synergy of biomaterials science, AI, regenerative medicine, and 3D printing.

Key areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Design and development of printable biomaterials (e.g., hydrogels, biopolymers, composites, and ceramics) with enhanced bio-functionality.
  • Biomaterials tailored for 3D bioprinting techniques (e.g., extrusion-based, stereolithography, laser sintering, two-photon polymerization, electrohydrodynamic, ink-jetting).
  • In vitro and in vivo evaluation of 3D-printed biomaterial systems.
  • Biodegradability, mechanical performance, and biological response of 3D-printed constructs.
  • Biomaterial innovations for patient-specific implants, tissue scaffolds, and regenerative medicine.
  • Controlled drug delivery platforms developed using 3D-printed biomaterials.
  • Interaction of 3D-printed biomaterials with living tissues and physiological environments.
  • Regulatory, translational, and clinical aspects of biomaterials for 3D-printed medical applications.

Dr. Santosh Kumar Parupelli
Dr. Salil Desai
Guest Editors

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-anonymized 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
  • 3D printing
  • tissue engineering
  • regenerative medicine
  • biomedical devices

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3590 KB  
Article
Does Aging Affect PolyJet™ 3D-Printed Teeth for Endodontics? A Micro-CT Evaluation
by Cláudia Barbosa, Tiago Reis, José B. Reis, Margarida Franco, Catarina Batista, Rui B. Ruben, Benjamín Martín-Biedma and José Martín-Cruces
J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(5), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17050224 - 2 May 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1400
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the aging effect (6 and 12 months), relative to baseline (0 months), on the dimensional accuracy, morphological stability, and shaping behavior of PolyJet™ 3D-printed teeth (3DPT) produced in two printing orientations (X and Y axes). Specimens (XA0, [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the aging effect (6 and 12 months), relative to baseline (0 months), on the dimensional accuracy, morphological stability, and shaping behavior of PolyJet™ 3D-printed teeth (3DPT) produced in two printing orientations (X and Y axes). Specimens (XA0, XA6, XA12, YA0, YA6, YA12) were analyzed using microcomputed tomography before and after root canal preparation with the ProTaper Gold® system. Preoperative analysis included canal volume, centroid, total tooth volume, and total tooth area. Aging-related changes were observed, with significant differences between XA0 and XA12 (p < 0.05), whereas no differences were detected among Y-axis groups (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that X-axis specimens are not comparable over time, while Y-axis specimens maintain baseline consistency. Postoperative evaluation revealed significant differences across aging conditions for most endodontic preparation parameters. Within the limitations of this study, aging had a limited effect on dimensional accuracy but influenced the shaping behavior of 3DPT. Based on these findings, future studies using PolyJet™ 3DPT should report the printing batch and the storage time between fabrication and experimental use, as these factors may influence the comparability and reliability of the results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Three-Dimensional Printing and Biomaterials for Medical Applications)
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20 pages, 8391 KB  
Article
Short Expandable-Wing Suture Anchor for Osteoporotic and Small Bone Fixation: Validation in a 3D-Printed Coracoclavicular Reconstruction Model
by Chia-Hung Tsai, Shao-Fu Huang, Rong-Chen Lin, Pao-Wei Lee, Cheng-Ying Lee and Chun-Li Lin
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(10), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16100379 - 10 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1861
Abstract
Suture anchors are widely used for tendon and ligament repair, but their fixation strength is compromised in osteoporotic bone and limited bone volume such as the coracoid process. Existing designs are prone to penetration and insufficient cortical engagement under such conditions. In this [...] Read more.
Suture anchors are widely used for tendon and ligament repair, but their fixation strength is compromised in osteoporotic bone and limited bone volume such as the coracoid process. Existing designs are prone to penetration and insufficient cortical engagement under such conditions. In this study, we developed a novel short expandable-wing (SEW) suture anchor (Ti6Al4V) designed to enhance pull-out resistance through a deployable wing mechanism that locks directly against the cortical bone. Finite element analysis based on CT-derived bone material properties demonstrated reduced intra-bone displacement and improved load transfer with the SEW compared to conventional anchors. Mechanical testing using matched artificial bone surrogates (N = 3 per group) demonstrated significantly higher static pull-out strength in both normal (581 N) and osteoporotic bone (377 N) relative to controls (p < 0.05). Although the sample size was limited, results were consistent and statistically significant. After cyclic loading, SEW anchor fixation strength increased by 25–56%. In a 3D-printed anatomical coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction model, the SEW anchor provided nearly double the fixation strength of the hook plate, underscoring its superior stability under high-demand clinical conditions. This straightforward implantation protocol—requiring only a 5 mm drill hole without tapping, followed by direct insertion and knob-driven wing deployment—facilitates seamless integration into existing surgical workflows. Overall, the SEW anchor addresses key limitations of existing anchor designs in small bone volume and osteoporotic environments, demonstrating strong potential for clinical translation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Three-Dimensional Printing and Biomaterials for Medical Applications)
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Review

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20 pages, 2798 KB  
Review
The Next Phase of 3D Bioprinting: AI-Native Systems—A Narrative Review
by Nebojša Zdravković, Mateja Zdravković and Marko N. Živanović
J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(7), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17070319 - 3 Jul 2026
Viewed by 417
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has reached a complexity limit where empirical, parameter-by-parameter optimization no longer scales. The dominant mode of artificial intelligence (AI) integration remains AI-augmented, where AI is treated as an analytical addition to a conventional pipeline. We argue that the field is [...] Read more.
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has reached a complexity limit where empirical, parameter-by-parameter optimization no longer scales. The dominant mode of artificial intelligence (AI) integration remains AI-augmented, where AI is treated as an analytical addition to a conventional pipeline. We argue that the field is approaching a discontinuous transition towards AI-native bioprinting, in which AI represents the operational layer of system intelligence, not an ancillary tool. A systematic analysis of 365 publications on the intersection of bioprinting and AI (2015–2026), performed through 18 queries organized by the four search axes of the PubMed database, shows that the intersection grew 136 times during the decade, with an acceleration of 3.16 times only between 2024 and 2025. Mapping the publications to the six functional domains reveals a marked asymmetry: clinical translation counts 154 papers, while cell viability prediction—the biological foundation that every closed-loop system requires—counts only three. We define AI-native bioprinting as a system architecture that combines continuous learning, multi-modal sensing fused through visual, mechanical and biological signals, and biologically closed control loops. We present a conceptual shift from printing accuracy to biological intelligence as a success criterion. The transition requires open datasets, consensus biological metrics, inter-laboratory validation, and early regulatory engagement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Three-Dimensional Printing and Biomaterials for Medical Applications)
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Other

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14 pages, 1370 KB  
Technical Note
Personalized 3D-Printed Hybrid PDMS and PEEK Implants for Revisional Orbitomaxillary Reconstruction: A Translational Case-Based Technical Note
by Goran Marić, Darko Solter, Blanka Doko Mandić, Jelena Škunca Herman, Zoran Vatavuk, Damir Godec, Davor Vagić and Alan Pegan
J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(4), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17040197 - 18 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1938
Abstract
The reconstruction of complex orbitomaxillary defects requires biomaterials that can simultaneously provide structural stability, biocompatibility, and accurate restoration of facial volume and contour. While rigid polymers such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) offer reliable mechanical support, they do not adequately replicate the viscoelastic behavior of [...] Read more.
The reconstruction of complex orbitomaxillary defects requires biomaterials that can simultaneously provide structural stability, biocompatibility, and accurate restoration of facial volume and contour. While rigid polymers such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) offer reliable mechanical support, they do not adequately replicate the viscoelastic behavior of soft tissues. This report presents a translational revision case employing a personalized hybrid biomaterial approach that combines a 3D-printed PEEK implant for structural orbital floor support with a patient-specific polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) implant for malar volumetric augmentation. Reconstruction was planned using CT segmentation and contralateral mirroring. Patient-specific implants were subsequently designed using CAD/CAM techniques, combining a rigid PEEK implant for structural orbital support with a flexible PDMS implant for malar volumetric augmentation with complementary mechanical properties. Revision surgery included the removal of inadequately positioned titanium hardware, the release of incarcerated extraocular muscles, and the restoration of orbital anatomy and facial symmetry. Postoperative imaging demonstrated stable implant positioning and sustained orbitomaxillary stability. Despite successful anatomical reconstruction, residual functional sequelae, including strabismus related to the severity of the initial orbital trauma, persisted and were addressed separately in a staged manner, resulting in satisfactory ocular alignment and resolution of diplopia in primary gaze. This case underscores the complementary functional roles of rigid and elastic polymers and highlights the translational potential of PDMS as a permanent, patient-specific implant material for volumetric and contour restoration in craniofacial reconstruction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Three-Dimensional Printing and Biomaterials for Medical Applications)
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