Rigoberto C. Advincula, John Ryan C. Dizon, Eugene B. Caldona, Robert Andrew Viers, Francis Dave C. Siacor, Reymark D. Maalihan, Alejandro H. Espera
Abstract: Additive manufacturing or more commonly known as 3D printing, is currently driving innovations and applications in diverse fields such as prototyping, manufacturing, aerospace, education, and medicine. Recent technological and materials research breakthroughs have enabled 3D bioprinting, where biomaterials and cells are used to create scaffolds and functional living tissues (e.g. skin, cartilage, etc.). This prospective focuses on the classification and applications of hydrogels, and design considerations in their production (i.e. physical and biological parameters). The materials for 3D printing of hydrogels, such as biopolymers, synthetic polymers, and nanocomposites, are mainly discussed. More importantly, future perspectives on 3D printing hydrogels including new materials, 4D printing, emerging printing technologies, etc. and their importance in biomedical and bioengineering applications are discussed. Graphic Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Materials Research Society.
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Joint Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 37996, TN, United States; Center for Nanophase Materials and Sciences (CNMS), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, 37830, TN, United States; Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, 44106, OH, United States; Design, Research, Extension in Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Materials and Advanced Manufacturing (DR3AM) Center/Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering and Architecture, Bataan Peninsula State University, City of Balanga, Bataan, 2100, Philippines; BioProcess Engineering and Research Center and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, 6014, Philippines; Chemical and Food Engineering Department and Material Testing and Calibration Center, Batangas State University, Batangas City, 4200, Philippines; Electronics Engineering Department, School of Engineering and Architecture, Ateneo de Davao University, Davao City, 8016, Philippines; Department of Engineering Education, College of Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, 24061, VA, United States
