3D Printing of Hydrogel-Based Biocompatible Materials

Abstract 3D printing is a promising method for fabricating structures of complex shape from biomaterials for restoration and regeneration of bone and other tissues of a living body. Hydrogels are often considered as matrices for the development of new biomaterials by 3D printing. A hydrogel is a cross-linked polymer network capable of absorption and retention of a large amount of water or biological fluids. Its properties resemble those of a natural extracellular matrix. The review deals with the use of various monomers and polymers for fabricating structures from hydrogels and organo-inorganic composites based on them using additive technologies and with potential biomedical applications of the hydrogel-based macroporous structures thus obtained. Such 3D printing methods as stereolithography, extrusion printing, and bioprinting are considered.