ADVANCEMENTS IN THE USE OF CERAMIC NANOPARTICLES IN 3D PRINTED TISSUE ENGINEERING

Abstract

This review paper delves into the recent advancements in the integration of ceramic nanoparticles in 3D printed scaffolds for tissue engineering. Emphasising the impact of materials like hydroxyapatite (HA), tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and bioactive glass (BG) in enhancing the functionality of engineered tissues, the paper highlights their high biocompatibility and bioactivity. Notably, the incorporation of HA has shown to increase the mechanical strength by approximately 64 %, while BG scaffolds demonstrated a compressive strength almost 170 times greater than traditional materials. The application of these nanoparticles in 3D printing has enabled the creation of scaffolds with precise control over the porosity and mechanical properties, closely mimicking natural extracellular matrices. The review also addresses the challenges in nanoparticle dispersion, scaffold integrity, and biocompatibility. These developments signify a major leap forward in regenerative medicine, offering promising avenues for future research in personalised and responsive tissue engineering solutions.