Advancements in synthetic polymers for 3D bioprinting materials, applications, and future prospects

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is has transformed tissue engineering through the precise fabrication of bio mimetic constructs including use in skin regeneration, bone and cartilage prostheses, muscle replenishment, the development of blood vessels as well as organ scaffolds. Nevertheless, some concerns related to mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and bioactivity of printed constructs still remain. One such potential pathway is the introduction of natural fibers like cellulose, silk, and collagen into synthetic polymers in order to produce elasticity, high tensile strength, and good compatibility with synthetic polymers. In order to obtain good matrix bonding, we should have adequate processing of fibers, dispersion, and surface treatment. Bio printing methods, such as extrusion-based bio printing, stereolithography (SLA), and inkjet bio printing are used to produce multi-layered composite structures. There are also other benefits of fiber-reinforced composites that go beyond conventional tissue engineering uses, like drug delivery, wound healing, and therapeutical use. Such multifunctional fibers may enable customization of degradation and cellular response as well as drug delivery specific to applications. The aim of this review is to examine natural fiber-synthetic polymer combinations in 3D bioprinting to determine the potential and technical challenges in terms of tissue engineering and further development in the medical field.