Nanoscale Biomaterials for 3D printing

Abstract

Bio printing is an emerging tool for differentiating stem cells in 3D patterns. This technique provides the platform for regeneration of organs and tissues in a systematic manner.The use of suitable biomaterial with its crosslinking property on addition of a cross linker gives the exact structure with which we can grow stem cells into a specific tissue or organ. There exists a number of conventional biomaterials used as bioinks for 3D bioprinting and other biomedical applications, but due to its macro sized structure the applicability had been restricted to certain areas. In such cases nano-biomaterials play a key role in enhancing the physicochemical properties of existing biomaterials. Literature survey shows a wide range of conventional hydrogels available for printing and one can select these biomaterials according to the tissue to be regenerated. For example, regeneration of bone or cartilage requires relatively strong material and in such case soft materials will be inappropriate for the cells to differentiate into bone/cartilage tissue. Hence selection of biomaterial is one among the factors to be considered for tissue engineering. Here conventional biomaterials are not capable of fulfilling all the requirement of tissue engineering due its macro size and limited properties, therefore use of nanotechnology in the existing biomaterial can enhance the overall nature and bioactivity of the material. One more important factor influencing tissue regeneration is the use of bioinks. Bioinks not only protects the cells from external damage caused during fabrication but also helps in diffusion of nutrients and growth factors essential for cells differentiation and proliferation.As a prominent component of bio inks, hydrogels are commonly used in cell printing processes because of their low cytotoxicity and physical resemblance to the extracellular matrix (ECM). The review mainly focuses on the nanobiomaterials made from synergistic combinations of nanomaterials to overcome the shortcomings of existing biomaterials used as the bioinks, and make them suitable for various soft and hard tissue regeneration applications.