3D printing enabled smart biomaterials for cancer and neurological applications: Emerging strategies and translational perspectives

Integration of 3D printing with advanced biomaterials is transforming therapeutic approaches in oncology and neurology. In cancer research, bioprinted tumor models and organoid-based platforms are increasingly utilized to recapitulate the complexity of the tumor microenvironment and afford more reliable systems for screening drugs and studying pathways of resistance. For neurological applications, 3D printed hydrogels, bioactive neural scaffolds provide structural support and biochemical cues that promote axonal growth and functional recovery in conditions such as spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative disease. Further beyond structural repair, the incorporation of stimuli-responsive release systems within such constructs offers ways to implement controlled and localized delivery of drugs and thereby minimize systemic toxicity. This review synthesizes current findings on smart polymeric and nanocomposite biomaterials, bioprinting techniques, and controlled release approaches while discussing outstanding regulatory and translational challenges. Finally, it considers the contribution of emerging tools, such as artificial intelligence and sustainable manufacturing, toward next-generation, personalized therapies.