Additive Manufacturing of Soft Materials and Soft Gel for Bio-organs
摘要
Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, is revolutionizing bio-organ development by offering unprecedented precision, customization, and compatibility with biological systems. This review explores the critical role of soft materials and soft gels, such as hydrogels, elastomers, and other biomaterials, in replicating human tissues’ mechanical and biological properties. These materials enable the creation of scaffolds and structures that mimic natural tissues, facilitating advancements in tissue engineering and organ fabrication. Key AM techniques such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), direct ink writing (DIW), and bioprinting methods are discussed, highlighting their suitability for fabricating soft materials. The review delves into the properties and applications of hydrogels for cell scaffolds, elastomers for dynamic tissue replication, and soft gels for biodegradability and biocompatibility. It also covers specific applications, including cardiac tissue engineering, skin grafts, liver and kidney tissue fabrication, and organ-on-chip models for pharmaceutical testing. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, such as achieving high resolution with flexible materials, integrating vascularization, and addressing material limitations. The review highlights future directions, including developing smart hydrogels, 4D printing technologies, and incorporating stem cells and bioactive materials to enhance functionality. The findings underscore AM's transformative potential in creating functional bio-organs, addressing organ shortages, and advancing personalized medicine while emphasizing the need for continued innovation to overcome current limitations and accelerate clinical translation.